History of the Evanston Fourth of July Association
As recounted in the 1931 Official Program, celebrating ten years of the North Evanston Fourth of July Association, formed after a child was injured while setting off fireworks on July 4, 1921, is the following:
“The primary objective of the First North Evanston Fourth of July Celebration was to give our children a good old fashioned, jolly July 4th with historic interest to stimulate their pride in their country; and so supervised as to assure us that they would still be safe and sound on July 5th.
“The idea emanated from the Patriotic Education Committee of the North End Mothers’ Club. Mrs. Mary A. Goodhue, being the chairman, and to her and her committee should go a large share of the success of our first celebration. . ..”
The Association’s scope has expanded to provide a full day of safe, supervised, constructive, and fun activities every 4th of July.
In 1980, the Association changed its name to the “Evanston Fourth of July Association,” expanding its scope to include all of Evanston.
Unlike most Independence Day celebrations in other cities, the festivities in Evanston are produced entirely by the all-volunteer, community funded Evanston Fourth of July Association. No tax dollars are used for the actual production of the sports activities, parade, twilight band concert or fireworks.
We provide a top-rated program every year with support from our generous local businesses and foundations, and from individual donations from you, our friends, neighbors and fellow citizens.
Please join with us as we as we celebrate our 99th year and work toward a Centennial Celebration in 2021.
Thanks to our Celebration Sponsors
