Families heading to Gillson Park for Wilmette's annual Fun & Fireworks celebration on Friday, July 3, will have a new way to get there and a good reason to plan ahead.
The Wilmette Park District is running two PACE shuttle routes to the lakefront park for the first time, an expansion aimed at easing the traffic crunch along Sheridan Road. The addition comes as the National Weather Service forecasts highs in the 90s across the Chicago area through the Independence Day weekend, with heat index values forecast between 100 and 110 degrees.
How to get there
Route 1 departs from Loyola Academy starting at 4 p.m., with a stop at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 2727 Lake Ave.
Route 2 departs from the Wilmette Metra Station at 12th Street, also starting at 4 p.m.
Round-trip fare is $4.50 per rider. Cash, credit cards, and electronic payments are accepted. Riders must keep their outbound ticket for the return trip — no return-only fares will be sold. All PACE buses are fully accessible.
Shuttles run until all ticketed riders are transported or until 11 p.m., whichever comes first.
"We want to make it as easy as possible for families and visitors to come together and celebrate 250 years of freedom," said Dave Merrill, Superintendent of Recreation for the Wilmette Park District.
Road closures and parking
Sheridan Road and Michigan Avenue between Lake Avenue and 3rd Street will be closed to vehicle traffic during the celebration.
Parking at the Gillson Beach lot will be limited all day, and daily parking passes will not be sold on Friday, July 3, or Saturday, July 4. Free parking opens at the Wilmette Metra Station at 11 a.m. Limited paid parking is available at the CTA lot at 4th and Linden. Bike racks will be set up at Gillson Park's south entrance and near the Beach House.
The event
Fun & Fireworks runs from 5 to 10 p.m. with live entertainment on two stages, family activities, and food vendors including Lefty's Pizza Kitchen, La Cocinita, Mustard's Last Stand, and Hecky's Barbecue. Some vendors are cash-only, and there will be no on-site ATM.
The fireworks display runs more than 40 minutes, marking America's 250th anniversary, and launches at 9:20 p.m. over Lake Michigan. North Shore Community Bank is the presenting sponsor.
South Beach opens to the general public at 8 p.m. for fireworks viewing. Sparklers and alcohol are prohibited. All bags are subject to search.
Beat the heat
The National Weather Service has called this the "first bona fide heat wave of the summer" for the Chicago area, with highs in the 90s and overnight lows stuck in the 70s. The agency advises drinking water, checking on children and seniors, and going outside early or late in the day. If you're staking out a spot on the lakefront, bring plenty of water and shade.
The celebration is free. An interactive parking map is available at wilmetteil.maps.arcgis.com.
