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

Communities across the region are celebrating Independence Day with festivals, live entertainment and family traditions, with many events taking on added significance during the nation's 250th birthday year.

In Bartlett, organizers are promoting their Independence Day celebration with the motto, "Come for the carnival. Stay for the music. And the food." The community has hosted July 4 celebrations for many years, but organizers say this year's event is larger than usual.

The celebration was in full swing Friday afternoon and is scheduled to continue throughout the weekend. Bartlett is one of several nearby communities drawing visitors with holiday festivities.

Communities are celebrating Independence Day with festivals, entertainment and traditions, with added significance during the nation's 250th birthday.

In Hoffman Estates, a festival at the NOW Center parking lot features free admission and live music. Rain delayed the start of festivities Friday, but organizers worked to make up for lost time.

"It's a lot off fun. A lot of work but it's a lot of fun. A lot of volunteers," Hoffman Estates Mayor Bill McLeod said.

Volunteers also play a major role at Frontier Days in Arlington Heights, where organizers are marking the festival's 50th anniversary this year. The event began as a celebration of the nation's Bicentennial in 1976 and continued long after that milestone year.

"It went so well that year they said let's do it again next year, and here we are 50 years later and we're still doing it," said Jim Glueckert, co-chair of the festival.

For many families, this year's Independence Day celebrations carry additional meaning as the country observes its 250th birthday.

The Frontier Days festival began Friday and kicked off the Fourth of July holiday weekend in Arlington Heights.

"We're into history and teaching them history. We wanna have fun with it but also understand where we came from," Arlington Heights resident Melissa Bonney said.

Some communities, including Aurora, have already postponed fireworks displays because of the weather forecast. In Bartlett, organizers are keeping their fingers crossed. Fireworks are scheduled for tomorrow but they have skydivers planned for about 7:30 p.m.

Community organizations and city officials outlined plans Friday to help keep residents safe over the Fourth of July weekend, one year after 55 people were shot and eight were killed during the holiday period.

Ahead of the weekend, groups distributed flyers aimed at discouraging violence, while city leaders detailed a strategy focused on monitoring large gathering areas and responding quickly to emerging issues.

Read more here.

A nearly 50-year-old time capsule sealed during America's Bicentennial was opened Friday at Winnetka Village Hall, continuing a tradition that dates back to the building's construction in 1925.

Every 50 years, a time capsule is sealed in the cornerstone of Village Hall. The capsule opened this year contained items gathered in 1976 and offered residents a glimpse into the community's past.

The old metal storage box was pulled from the wall and presented to Winnetka Village President before its contents were revealed to a crowd of onlookers.

Among the artifacts were a 1976 license plate, local publications and materials from community organizations.

Read more here.

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.