A walk along Highland Park’s traditional Fourth of July parade route to remember last year’s tragedy, and reclaim the streets of downtown for the community, will take the place of the annual procession of floats and performances this year.
The walk is one part of a daylong series of events labeled “We Are Highland Park” planned for July 4 at several traditional locations to let people remember the events of last year, gather together in a way to make everyone comfortable and mark the country’s birth.
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The city and Park District of Highland Park announced joint plans for this year’s Fourth of July activities Wednesday, keeping some traditions and modifying others as the community continues to deal with the mass shooting which killed seven people and wounded dozens more last July 4.
Mayor Nancy Rotering said the plans are continuing to evolve with guidance from health care professionals with trauma expertise and the United States Department of Justice to find the right balance for remembrance and renewal.
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“It’s important to remember everyone is processing the events differently,” Rotering said in an interview. “We are dealing with the loss of life and how to live life differently. It will be a day of remembrance, and for the emotions we are having as individuals and as a community.”
Events will start at 10 a.m. July 4 with a remembrance ceremony at City Hall, where Rotering and clergy from a variety of faiths will speak. There will be a moment of silence at 10:14 a.m. when the first shots were fired last July 4, according to a joint news release
For those who want to participate remotely, the ceremony will be broadcast on the city’s Facebook page and YouTube channel. A recording will be available on the city’s website after the holiday.
The walk will start at 11 a.m. and follow the traditional parade route going north on St. Johns Avenue to Central Avenue, and west to Sunset Woods Park. Though strollers and wagons are allowed for children, bicycles will not be allowed for safety reasons, according to the release.
“The walk is a reminder of our beloved community tradition and symbolizes the reclaiming of our town as we build resiliency together,” the Park District and city said in the release. “It is intended to be an opportunity for active participation as one Highland Park and does not include viewing.”
Walk participants must register. Amanda Bennett, the city’s communications manager, said the decision was made so public safety officials can develop appropriate plans to keep everyone safe.
Following the parade at 11:30 a.m. will be a community picnic at Sunset Woods Park with food, family friendly games and live performances.
In the evening, live entertainment is planned at Wolters Field, but no fireworks because “of concerns regarding the noise of fireworks and the city’s push for more sustainable alternatives,” according to the release.
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The evening event will feature ice cream novelties, live entertainment and close with a drone show. The Bitter Jester Music Festival, which was part of the traditional evening events in the past, will be held as part of the Taste of Highland Park on June 25.
