Springfield, Illinois and other local fireworks displays
July 4, 2008

Independence Day

and surrounding days

Be sure to click on the links provided for additional information regarding these events. Some have much more going on in addition to the fireworks displays.

Don't forget your insect repellant and your camera!
Remember, West Nile Virus is out there!

If you have a point and shoot camera, try using both no flash and flash settings.
The flash setting speeds up your shutter speed so you'll get less blur.
(Be careful not to bug those around you with the flash though.)

Capital City Celebration

Close proximity Fireworks presented by Central States Fireworks, Inc., approximately at 9:30
Music to the Fireworks will be simulcast on ABE 93.7

More info at: springfieldjaycees.org/capitol.htm

Springfield Municipal Band Schedule For 2008

www.springfield.il.us/commissions/Band/

Knight’s Action Park will light-up the sky during the 3-D Fireworks Spectacular. Guests can receive their special free “3-D Fireworks Glasses” by purchasing an Extra Value Meal or Happy Meal at any participating Springfield-area McDonald’s. With these glasses, Knight’s Action Park’s illuminating fireworks display will appear as never before, literally filling the view of onlookers.
www.knightsactionpark.com/3-4-0-events.html

Rock the Dock
Friday, July 4, 2008
Lake Springfield Marina
Interstate 55 & Chatham Exit
Gates open at 6pm
Fireworks Show at Dusk

Ticket info, etc. at:
www.wqlz.com/rockthedock

Photos of Rock the Dock Marina area

Chatham Fireworks Show
I haven't found info regarding this show yet, so here is last year's info:
This years show will be held at dusk at Community Park.
In case of rain, the show will be held July 5th.
www.chathamil.net

Sparks in the Park - Rochester, IL
Due to rain the fireworks have been rescheduled.
According to the SJR ...

"The fireworks are now slated for July 18 following the Movie in the Park showing of “Shrek the Third,” which will begin at dusk in Rochester Community Park."

Rochester Sparks in the Park, 6-10 p.m. June 27, 2008 5-10 p.m.
June 28 and 5-11 p.m. June 29, Rochester.
Parade down Main Street 4:30 p.m. June 28 with talent show following.
Chocolate chip cookie-baking contest, 3 p.m.
June 29 with fireworks at 9:30 p.m. 498-7192,

(link) www.rochesteril.org

Pawnee
I haven't found info regarding this show yet, so here is last year's info:
The annual fireworks display is scheduled for dusk at Pawnee High School. Bleacher seating is provided, and concessions will be open.

Samuel Jones Park and Williamsville High School football field, Williamsville. Noon to 4 p.m.: activities in Samuel Jones Park. Evening events at Williamsville High School football field include dinner at 5:30 p.m.; various entertainment at 7 p.m.; a concert performance by Chapter 6 at 8:45 p.m.; and a fireworks display at 9:15 p.m. 566-3307.
(link)

Pleasant Plains

Chicken dinner, 6-8 p.m., Firehouse on Buckeye Street, Pleasant Plains. Volunteer firemen and Community Club of Pleasant Plains serve chicken, hot dogs and sides. $7. Fireworks at the high school begin at dark. Locations, details: 341-4668. Source: SJ-R

Intellicast weather radar for the area.

Central Illinois weather reports from NOAA.

WICS TV 20 weather report

Fireworks ban no reason for short fuse

Rather than spending Independence Day grumbling about the bottle rockets they can’t shoot onto the neighbor’s roof, we suggest those who like fireworks attend one of the many large-scale displays that will happen around Springfield in the week to come. July 4 is a time to be part of the community, not isolated from it in a backyard bunker with a handful of M-80s.

Editorial: Published Wednesday, June 27, 2007
www.sj-r.com/sections/opinion/stories/117556.asp

Fireworks display information for Sangamon County (Outside all incorporated city, town and village limits)

www.co.sangamon.il.us/offices/ctyclerk/Fireworks/default.asp

Local events guide from the SJ-R

Events guide from the Illinois Times

How to photograph fireworks

Tips From Smithsonian Photographers

photos.si.edu/firew/firew.html

July 4th fireworks tips!
www.imaging-resource.com/NEWS/994267307.html

Can't go to a fireworks display?

There are plenty of televised fireworks displays that evening.
If you have access to HD (High Definition) television, look for the program of your choice in high def. Televised fireworks are far better in HD than NTSC. You could also record some of these shows and watch them later.

Macy's 4th of July Fireworks Spectacular

010 WAND

Fri, Jul 4, 8:00p - 9:00p

Fireworks explode over New York; Natasha Bedingfield, Kenny Chesney, Katharine McPhee, Gavin DeGraw and Jordin Sparks are scheduled to perform; Natalie Morales and Tiki Barber host.

2008 | 60 mins

Boston Pops Fireworks Spectacular

003 WCIA

Fri, Jul 4, 9:00p - 10:00p

Keith Lockhart directs the Boston Pops Esplanade Orchestra, as an aerial pyrotechnic display reflects in the Charles River; Rascal Flatts performs; Craig Ferguson hosts.

2008 | TVG | 60 mins

3,2,1 Fireworks

220 WILLDT3

Wed, Jul 2, 6:00p - 6:30p

Touring preparations for Washington, D.C., July Fourth celebration.

2008 | 30 mins

Chicago's Summer Blast - Fireworks and the Taste

009 WGNSAT

Thu, Jul 3, 9:00p - 10:00p

2008 | TVPG | 60 mins

Nova

Fireworks!

Tue, Jul 1, 7:00p - 8:00p

Creating sequences and colors of fireworks requires scientific knowledge and artistry.

| TVG | 60 mins

How It's Made

Fiberglass Boats; Clothes Dryers

031 DSC

Thu, Jul 3, 7:00p - 7:30p

Fiberglass boats; clothes dryers; gum; fireworks.

Burt Wolf: Taste of Freedom

Independence Day

219 WSECDT3

Sat, Jul 5, 7:30a - 8:00a

Independence Day; Boston; fireworks.

How It's Made: Remix

4th of July

464 SCIENCE

Fri, Jul 4, 8:00p - 8:30p

Hot dogs; barbecue briquettes; mustard; fireworks.

2008 | TVG | 30 mins

July 4th Live!

062 TRAV

Fri, Jul 4, 8:00p - 8:30p

Host Kirsten Gum helps celebrate Independence Day with the fireworks spectacle from the National Mall.

2008 | TVG | 30 mins

Our local PBS channels are airing "A Capitol Fourth".

A Capitol Fourth

008 WSEC July 4, 1008
7:00p - 8:30p
WSEC and others.

The Independence Day concert at the U.S. Capitol features performers Huey Lewis and the News, Taylor Hicks, Hayley Westenra and Vittorio Grigolo.

2008 | TVG | 90 mins

www.pbs.org/tvschedules/index.html?station=WSEC&zipcode=62703

Also on tv...

National Treasure

On Demand (also on other channels for free)

$2.99 | Available until Wed, Jul 2

National Treasure (2004): Since he was a boy, Benjamin Franklin Gates has wanted to find the Templar Treasure. Now he must steal the Declaration of Independence or let it fall into dangerous hands. (CC) Nicolas Cage, Jon Voight.

PG | 131 mins

Parental Guide

FIND IT: Movies & Events > Show All Titles > National Treasure

TV listings source: tvplanner.comcast.net

Related links...

Independence Day (United States)
en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Independence_Day_(United_States)

Fourth of July is Independence Day

Independence Day honors the birthday of the United States of America and the signing of the Declaration of Independence on July 4, 1776. It's a day of picnics and patriotic parades, a night of concerts and fireworks, and a reason to fly the American flag.

www.usa.gov/Topics/Independence_Day.shtml

Who has the best fireworks on the 4th?

Published July 3, 2007

By Colleen Mastony Tribune staff reporter

Who has the best show? The answer is elusive. Measuring a fireworks display is a tricky endeavor. The number, size and quality of the shells must be considered, along with the length of the show, music synchronization and enormity of the crowd. And - to the disappointment of some - size doesn't always matter. Chicago Tribune

Fireworks at the Lincoln Museum

Fireworks at the Lincoln Library opening day

More event listings at the SJR.

More Springfield photos linked below.

Scenes from the Downtown Fireworks