The Glenview July Fourth parade took place with vibrant marching bands and enthusiastic crowds along Harlem Avenue. The parade, which began at 11:20 a.m., featured an America 250 theme. Children eagerly collected candy tossed from floats, while large crowds cheered for units celebrating 250 years since the nation’s founding in 1776.

Heavy thunderstorms threatened the festivities in Chicago suburbs, leading to cancellations. Northbrook canceled its 4 p.m. parade due to threatening clouds that eventually brought rain. Wilmette also canceled its planned activities, including fireworks at Gillson Park, on July 3. Meanwhile, Park Ridge held its fireworks early at 8:10 p.m., as the sky remained light. The display concluded before rain began.

At Glenview’s parade, children gathered around participants from the Glenview Malayalees India parade unit, who paused to distribute treats. Most floats and marching units offered candy or small toys to children along the route.

Other local areas faced their own challenges due to weather conditions. Evanston canceled a concert at Arrington Lagoon because of water pooling and ended its parade early due to lightning concerns. Winnetka canceled pre-fireworks activities and restricted access to Duke Childs field until shortly before the fireworks display. The Skokie Park District canceled face painting and the bounce house attractions but kept the fireworks scheduled for 9:30 p.m.

Despite earlier weather concerns, many suburbs were able to proceed with fireworks as planned once the rain stopped by Saturday evening.