CHICAGO (WLS) -- America's 250th birthday is this weekend. Follow along with ABC7 Chicago as the area celebrates.
Fireworks shows are expected to take place across the Chicago area this weekend.
Here's a list of some locations to enjoy.
The Taste of Oak Brook event and Berwyn's fireworks display have been canceled due Friday night to severe weather, organizers of the separate events announced.
Strong storms have been moving through the Chicago area for most of the day.
Other towns across the area are hosting fireworks shows and other Fourth of July events this weekend.
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 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.
