Fox Valley set to light up the sky

Here's a look at some of the Independence Day celebrations set for July 4 in the Fox Valley.

Aurora

Aurora’s Independence Day celebration will include a musical salute to Bruce Springsteen, featuring Bruce in the USA, a tribute band, at Aurora’s RiverEdge Park. The music will start at 5:30 p.m. The Fox Valley Orchestra will take the stage at 8:15 p.m. The concert will feature patriotic music and traditional favorites. The fireworks display is scheduled to begin at 9:25 p.m.

Batavia

Batavia’s annual Independence Day Sky Concert Fireworks Display is scheduled to begin at 9:30 p.m. July 4. Viewing areas will be available at Engstrom Park, located at Millview Drive and Main Street, and at Batavia High School. Food vendors will begin serving at 5:30 p.m.

St. Charles

St. Charles will celebrate Independence Day with live music and a fireworks display July  4 at Pottawatomie Park, 8 North Ave. The Fox Valley Concert Band will begin the celebration with a performance at 4 p.m. The Red Woody Band will perform from 6 p.m. to dark, when the fireworks display will begin. Pottawatomie Park offers a picnic area, paddle boat rentals, mini-golf and other amenities. A viewing area also will be available at Ferson Creek Park, along Route 31, north of Route 64.

Cougars to celebrate Independence Day with the River Bandits

The Kane County Cougars will celebrate Independence Day with a 6:30 p.m. game with the Quad City River Bandits at Fifth Third Bank Ballpark in Geneva. The game is the first in a five-game series with the River Bandits that will continue through July 8. The contests slated for July 4 through July 6 will include post-game fireworks. On July 4, fans can collect player autographs before the game and run the bases after the game. The first 1,500 fans through the gates will receive a patriotic foam claw presented by Fifth Third Bank.  Entertainment during the game will include the Russian Bar Trio, a team of acrobats. For more information, call 630-232-8811. 

Cougars to host Military Appreciation Night

The Cougars will honor America’s military veterans and active-duty military personnel during the team’s July 6 game with the Quad City River Bandits. The game will begin at 6:30 p.m. The evening will include a pre-game parade of veterans and military personnel. The Cougars will recognize veterans throughout the game and will ask attendees to observe a moment of silence for those in the military who made the ultimate sacrifice. The night will conclude with a fireworks display.

Some patriotic fanfare

To help you get in the mood to celebrate Independence Day, here's Johnny Cash singing "Ragged Old Flag" and a fine recording of entertainer Red Skelton's explanation of the "Pledge of Allegiance." 

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