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Rockford's Fourth of July celebration will culminate with the SkyConcert Fireworks Show synchronized to music over Davis Park in downtown Rockford. Fireworks begin at 9:30 p.m. (File photo by Mike Rudzinski)

Staff Report

The Rockford Fourth of July Committee and “Mr. Fourth of July” Joe Marino offer a weekend full of events to help area residents celebrate Independence Day July 4.

This Independence Day marks 235 years since the July 4, 1776, adoption of the Declaration of Independence, declaring independence from the United Kingdom of Great Britain.

Following are area Independence Day events:

Wednesday, June 29

1:30 p.m.—Radio Disney & Radio Disney Crew Imagination Station Matinee at Sinnissippi Music Shell.

7:07 p.m.—Faster Pastor Races at the Rockford Speedway plus Road Runner Super Summer Series, Bandits, Winged Women on Wheels, Figure 8, Spectacular Drags, Legends, Bandoleros, Misfits, Challenge.*

Thursday, June 30

7:30 p.m.—Rockford Park District Free Music in the Park (Patriotic Concert) at Sinnissippi Park Music Shell, featuring Late Blues Brothers.

Saturday, July 2

5 p.m.—Flag Retirement Ceremony sponsored by Wanchanagi District Boy Scouts of America & the Rockford Fourth of July Committee. Next to Symbol in Sinnissippi Gardens.

Monday, July 4

7 a.m.—MELD Classic 8k Run (7 a.m.), 2 Mile Run (7:05 a.m.), 1 Mile Fun Walk (8:30 a.m.). Begins on Madison Street under Jefferson Street bridge near the Trolley Station.*

8:30 a.m.—Patriotic Breakfast sponsored by the Rockford Fourth of July Committee & Stone Eagle Tavern. Free continental breakfast to the first 1,000 people. Keynote speaker Pastor John Akre, former pastor of First Evangelical Free Church. Music Shell in Sinnissippi Park, Patriotism, Prayer and a Salute to Military Veterans. 9/11 Memorial steel will be on display (memorial yet to be built).

Noon—Meet Great Human Beings and get your picture taken. State & Main, Rockford.

4 p.m.—The Dirty Fishnet Stocking Band entertaining on the north side of the Lorden Building inside Davis Park along with a 20-plus Vintage Car Show. Food and beverages will be available for purchase. Gates open at 3 p.m. Davis Park, downtown Rockford.*

6:50 p.m.—Motorcycle Parade

7 p.m.—Rockford Fourth of July Parade. Televised on WTVO Channel 17. Begins at Seventh Street and Sixth Avenue in downtown Rockford—ends near Davis Park. 9/11 Memorial steel will be in parade for viewing (memorial yet to be built).

7 p.m.—Big Band Music by the Moonlight Jazz Orchestra on the south side of the Lorden Building inside Davis Park. Food and beverages will be available for purchase.*

9:30 p.m.—SkyConcert Fireworks Show synchronized to music over Davis Park in downtown Rockford. Davis Park offers the best view to see the incredible fireworks show. SkyConcert sponsored by the Rockford 4th of July Committee, B103 FM Radio & WTVO-TV Channel 17. Bring your radio and lawn chair.*

*Indicates an admission charge. Above events subject to change or cancellation without notice.

From the June 29-July 5, 2011 issue