Mission Statement
The Association’s Sole Mission is to provide safe and entertaining family-oriented events and activities on the nation’s Independence Day Holiday. Our Vision is for everyone to discover, enjoy and support the wonderful 4th of July traditions this Association has provided since 1922.
The Association was founded and continues to operate on these Core Values: freedom of views and expressions, respect for individual rights, responsibility to provide fair and equal treatment of participants and spectators, cooperation with City of Evanston codes and ordinances, and provide the best Independence Day celebration possible for all to enjoy and remember.
Thank You for Joining Us!
Thank you for joining us for the 2026 Evanston Fourth of July celebration! We would especially like to thank our volunteers and our sponsors who made it all possible. We can’t wait to see you all again next year!
Support the future of the Evanston Fourth of July by donating here, and follow us on social media below.
2026 Parade Award Winners
President’s Award (Best Group Overall):Unidos por Evanston |
Pelton Plaque (Outstanding Neighborhood Group):Red White & Goldens |
Chief Judge’s Award (Special Merit):Four Star Brass Band |
Commercial Float Awards:1st place – Evanston Folk Festival2nd place – Double Clutch Brewing Company3rd place – Trophy Pet |
Community Float Awards:1st place – Unidos por Evanston2nd place – American Legion Evanston Post 423rd place – Backlot Playground Association |
Community Participating Awards:1st place – Invest in Neighborhood Schools2nd place – Evanston Marching Kazoo Band3rd place – Evanston Girl Scouts |
Community Performance Awards:1st place – Central Street Neighborhood Association2nd place – Purple Line Express3rd place – Second City Samba |
Invited Performer – Band Awards:1st place – Eclipse Drum and Bugle Corp2nd place – Chesterton High School Trojan Guard Marching Band3rd place – Blue Knights Drum and Bugle Corps |
Invited Performer – Paid Awards:1st place – Jesse White Tumbling Team2nd place – Illinois Wheelmen3rd place – Los Paisanos Mariachi Band |
Motor Vehicle Awards:1st place – Windy City Miata Club2nd place – David Zornig and his 1962 Plymouth Valiant V2003rd place – Evanston 311 |
Youth Awards:1st place – Evanston Township High School2nd place – Jr. Wildkit’s Cheerleading3rd place – Scouting America Troop 924 and Cub Scout Pack 929 |
Read our Letter to City Council regarding the future of the Evanston Fourth of July.
We kindly invite you to consider contributing to our 2026 Fourth of July celebration budget.
The Evanston Fourth of July Association wishes to thank you for your unwavering support as we continue the cherished traditions of our community – the grand parade and spectacular fireworks display. Your enthusiasm, dedication, and participation play an integral role in making this year’s celebrations a resounding success, rekindling the patriotic spirit in our town.
As we reflect on the joyous memories created this year, we are thrilled to announce that planning has already commenced for the 2026 festivities. With your continued support, we look forward to making this year’s Fourth of July celebration even more remarkable and memorable for all in our beautiful Evanston community. Thank you for being a part of our tradition and for helping to keep the spirit of independence alive in our town.
Thanks to Our Celebration Sponsors
