Fourth of July celebrations unfold across several suburban communities
Highland Park hosted its Independence Day Parade on Saturday.
Paradegoers dressed in red, white and blue. Many said the event has become an annual tradition.
"I live in the city, having that sense of community growing up here. My early 4th of July memories was being in the children's parade and coming out here with my family so it's really special to be back here," said paradegoer Nina Tannenbaum.
"We're happy, we're celebrating our country and our community," says Renee Facchini, who also attended the parade.
The celebration included musical performances and gymnastic demonstrations by the Jesse White Tumbling Team.
Chopper 7 also flew over Independence Day festivities in Bartlett and Mount Prospect.
In Arlington Heights, Frontier Days continued through the weekend as the festival marked its 50th year.
Although the village's drone show was canceled due to weather, the festival carried on with food, carnival games, and rides.
"All of us really like to do the games and everything," said Leah Aplington. "It's really fun. It's celebrating our country, our nation. It just really brings out the spirit because carnivals to me at least feel like America."
For Ute Heger, who immigrated from Germany, the holiday carries a personal meaning. "Usually I'm busy working, this year I am actually not. I enjoy celebrating the country I immigrated into. I'm not from this country," she said.
