4th on 53rd Parade and Free Festival

About this happenin

Hyde Park's Fourth of July parade, the 4th on 53rd, marches west on 53rd Street from the Hyde Park Bank parking lot to Nichols Park, where a free festival follows. A group of Hyde Parkers started it in 1992, and it calls itself the parade where everyone marches. Kids decorate bikes, strollers and wagons in the bank lot from 10 a.m., and the parade steps off at 11 to the sound of a fire truck's siren. Floats from local businesses, more than 75 community groups, two marching bands and the kids' bike brigade cover the 1.3-mile route. The festival in the park runs from noon to 3 p.m. with a patriotic sing-along, bands, youth dance and cheer performances, lawn games, bounce houses, face painting and a magician. Nothing is sold to eat or drink, because Park District rules require vendors to hold their own permits. The parade goes ahead rain or shine, though not through active thunderstorms.

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Where

53rd Street and Nichols Park, Hyde Park · 1355 E 53rd St, Chicago, IL 60615