LIVE Updates on 4th of July weekend events, fireworks in Chicago area

On the eve of the Fourth of July holiday, community leaders and advocates gathered at the Chicago History Museum to reflect on America's promise and discuss whether that promise has been fulfilled for all Americans, particularly African Americans.

U.S. Rep. Danny Davis convened the event, where speakers discussed progress made in the United States while highlighting disparities they see in health care, education and outcomes for young people.

"Yes, America has made progress it would be dishonest to say that America has not made progress," Davis said. "It would also be dishonest to say that America has delivered on that promise of universal equality."

Read more here.

Aurora is rescheduling its fireworks show at RiverEdge Park and McCullough Park from Friday night to next Friday, July 10.

The city said with storm damage from Thursday night and more storms in the forecast, the decided to postpone the show.

As communities across the Chicago area mark the nation's 250th birthday with festivals and fireworks, a longtime favorite tradition is underway in the northwest suburbs.

The Arlington Heights Frontier Days festival is celebrating its 50th year. The free, five-day event draws tens of thousands of people and features a full carnival, food and nightly concerts.

Arlington Heights Frontier Days is celebrating its 50th year as the nation marks its 250th anniversary.

Arlington Heights resident Jim Kozyra said Frontier Days is something he and his family won't miss for world.

"It's really great," volunteer Karen Bersch said. "I've always taken my family here for the last like 25 years since they were little and now they're taking their children."

Bersch and her friend Chavon Miller are among the hundred of helpers who staff the volunteer-run event.

"I've been volunteering here for 15 years along with my children for some of those years and it's just wonderful that this festival is here we get to celebrate," Miller said.

Arlington Heights Frontier Days is celebrating its 50th year as the nation marks its 250th anniversary.

The free event runs five days and draws tens of thousands of people.

It features a full carnival along with food and concerts every night.

The festival's drone show was rained out Thursday night.

"We are opening today with cooperation of the park district," Frontier Days co-chair Jim Glueckert said. "They are working on getting things dried out. We're praying that we don't get anymore. We deal with it when it happens."

Like in year's past, Friday before the festival officially opens for the day, organizers are hosting Citizens with Disabilities Day.

"They will get about an hour and a half on the ride and then we move into the food tent where they get a lunch and we have a DJ coming today," special events coordinator Paulette Greenberg said.

About 1,200 people are coming.

"It allows our community to come in and just have a normal day where they are able to participate in all the fun," Jennifer Durkin, of Arlington Heights Citizens with Disabilities Commission said.

Preparations are getting underway at Navy Pier for celebrations of America's 250th anniversary.

Friday night, people can join our ABC7's Maher Kawash at Harry Caray's to be a part ABC's broadcast of Party Across America, which highlights different celebrations around the country.

As a part of the festivities this weekend, Navy Pier is presenting its Independence Day fireworks at the pier.

Calling it the largest and longest fireworks display ever, organizers said Chicago's skyline will be illuminated on Saturday, July 4th.

The show will be presented as a part of the nationwide celebrations commemorating America's 250th anniversary, the event is expected to draw tens of thousands of people to the lakefront.

The show is one of the city's most popular traditions.

Now, there will be plenty of security in place. If you're coming down to navy pier, expect big crowd and arrive early.

It's encouraged to take public transportation.

Navy Pier's Independence Day fireworks happens Saturday, July 4th at 10 p.m.