Ah...the 4th of July. My second favorite holiday. And what's not to love? Parades. Marching Bands. Jessie White Tumblers. Fireworks. Trying to photograph said fireworks. BBQ. Warm nights. Fireflies. Family time. For a long time, my husband was never home on that day. As a former police officer, he was always working. I love that he's home now to celebrate with us. Chicagoland is filled with festivities. Find your local hangout. Bring some chairs and/or a blanket, and enjoy the show! Also, if getting out to see fireworks on the fourth seems daunting, just remember you can see them every Wednesday and Saturday down at Navy Pier. 

This year, we will be watching the parade in Arlington Heights, Illinois. My daughter, Alayna, will be marching to promote her show, Hairspray, in which she plays Penny. It's produced by St. James Theater, located in Arlington Heights. St. James parish hosts a community theater musical every summer. A few summers ago, my son, Aaron, walked with the troupe to promote Oliver. 

Here's a look at a last of our few Independence Day celebrations. What are you going to do today?

soncelanda-chicago-event-photography-8Veterans ride in an open trailer during the Arlington Heights Parade. soncelanda-chicago-event-photography-33Veterans march in a parade in suburban Chicago on the fourth of July. soncelanda-chicago-event-photography-14A man dressed in revolutionary garb marches in the Arlington Heights Independence Day parade. Hamilton? Is that you? 

soncelanda-chicago-event-photography-12Abe Lincoln marches in the Arlington Heights parade. soncelanda-chicago-event-photography-13Alex Laverty takes a selfie with Honest Abe at the Arlington Heights 4th of July parade. Politicians are out in full force on parade day. Honest Abe is out marching and my son, Alex, took a selfie with him. 

Marching bands. Drill teams. Flag bearers. Bring on the John Phillip Sousa! 

soncelanda-chicago-event-photography-23Hersey High School marching band in the Arlington Heights parade for Independence Day.

That saxophone is as big as he is! How does he march with that?

soncelanda-chicago-event-photography-21A dancer with the Proviso West marching band walks along with her troupe.

This dancer from Proviso West was killer! Her face is fierce and determined! 
soncelanda-chicago-event-photography-35A flag girl with the Prospect Marching Knights, performs with enthusiasm at the 4th of July Parade in Mt. Prospect. This flag girl from the Prospect Marching Knights was in perfect time with her bandmates. 
soncelanda-chicago-event-photography-26A Shriner rides along in the Arlington Heights Independence Day Parade. Santa, is that you? Is this what you do in the summer? 

soncelanda-chicago-event-photography-25The Shriner Motor Patrol makes an appearance in the Independence Day Parade in Arlington Heights. My husband and so many of his friends are Shriners. I love the charitable work they do. You can find out more about their hospitals and programs offered by visiting their site at the Shriners HQ. 

soncelanda-chicago-event-photography-28St. Peter's Lutheran marches in the Arlington Heights Parade. soncelanda-chicago-event-photography-37Alayna Laverty marches in the Mt. Prospect Parade. Sometimes we get to see familiar faces. 

soncelanda-chicago-event-photography-41St James Community Theater marches in the Arlington Heights Parade. soncelanda-chicago-event-photography-39Aaron Landa marches with St. James Community Theater in the Arlington Heights Independence Day Parade. Sometimes they see you back! 

soncelanda-chicago-event-photography-31Abbie Landa dresses the part for Independence Day festivities. Dressing up is half the fun!

soncelanda-chicago-event-photography-1Fireworks at Maine East High School in Park Ridge, Illinois. But when all in said and done, the fireworks are THE BEST part of the day. 

Have a happy and safe 4th of July. 

xoxo 

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