EVANSTON, July 8, 2026 – We are aware that some observers of our 2026 Fourth of July Celebration Parade objected to the inclusion of parade entry #49, “Evanston for a Free Palestine.”

Prior to July 4, a resident had expressed concern about including this group in the parade. In the interest of safety, we sought the advice of the Evanston city manager and the Evanston Police Department. They both advised there were no direct threats, and that this parade entry is not on any watch lists. Based on their advice and our Mission and Vision statements, which can be found on page 3 of our 2026 Program Book, we agreed they should be allowed in the parade. The statements are as follows:

“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 Fourth 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 to provide the best Independence Day celebration possible for all to enjoy and remember.”

We understand that not all parade observers will appreciate every parade entry. We have received many emails to our celebration@evanston4th.org and the city has received many more; the messages have both supported and protested this parade entry.

As a 105-year-old organization that bases the Evanston Fourth of July Celebration on annually recognizing the founding of these United States of America, we heartily support our Constitution and all its amendments, and encourage all people to embrace their civil rights. We hope to continue celebrating Evanston residents’ varying points of view each year on July 4 in commemoration of the founding of our great nation.