4th of July Parade, Fireworks Set for Sunday in Crystal Lake

Crystal Lake's 2013 Independence Day Parade is scheduled for 1 p.m. Sunday, July 7.

The parade committee traditionally holds the 4th of July Parade on the Sunday after July 4th, as it is able to retain popular parade entries - bands and other entertainers - who are booked by several communities for similar celebrations throughout the Chicago suburbs.

The Sunday parade date has also proven over the years to lure more spectators, past organizers have said.

So this year's celebrating can begin on the fourth and continue through Sunday, which will culminate with a fireworks dshow over Main Beach, 300 Lake Shore Dr., in Crystal Lake.

The parade begins at the Crystal Lake Municipal Complex, 100 W. Woodstock St., in Crystal Lake and travels south along Dole Avenue to the Main Beach area and ending at the Lakeside Festival grounds at the Dole Mansion, 401 Country Club Road.

For those who've never attended the Crystal Lake parade, spectators begin setting out chairs and blankets to save viewing spots as much as one or two days before.

Parade attendees should be courteous not reserve spots in front of specific homes along Dole Avenue (or they might find their blankets and chairs relocated!).

There are plenty of viewing spots available along the parade route. Many people prefer the corner at Dole Avenue and Woodstock Street, where the parade begins. It is a good "kids" location for gathering candy!

Many people like watching the parade from the Main Beach area, and prime "shady" spots can be found on Country Club Road right in front of the historic Dole Mansion.