• 4th of July
  • PARADE Info
  • Entertainment & Food
  • DONATE
  • Volunteer!
  • Festival of Lights
  • FOL Rental Inventory
  • Joe Marino
  • Contact
  Rockford 4th of July and Festival of Lights
  • 4th of July
  • PARADE Info
  • Entertainment & Food
  • DONATE
  • Volunteer!
  • Festival of Lights
  • FOL Rental Inventory
  • Joe Marino
  • Contact
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Volunteer Committee and Dedication

Since 1963, Chairman Joe Marino and a small volunteer committee have raised funds every year to give the people of Rockford, Illinois a glorious patriotic parade and cap the day off with a truly elaborate fireworks presentation.  
The Rockford 4th of July Civic Committee is a Not-For-Profit organization dedicated in helping this community celebrate the birth of our great nation.  For one day, people of all backgrounds, race, religion, sexes, all come together as one people to celebrate with a grand parade and spectacle in the sky at night.  We celebrate our freedom and love of country. 
We hope you celebrate with us as we continue to bring you a 30 minute pyrotechnics display synced to music every 4th of July over downtown Rockford, Illinois.
Tune into 103.1 during the fireworks to hear the synched soundtrack.
Can't make it downtown, turn your TV to Fox39 to watch "The Celebration of Freedom" Special which concludes with our firework display.     
Want to make a donation to the fireworks?  
​Simply click the Yellow "Donate Now" button below and you will be taken to a secured website to process a donation via your Credit Card.
Or Scan the Venmo QR Code or the Givingfuel Website QR Code.

DONATE NOW
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Giving Fuel Credit Card Donation Website
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2025 Title Sponsor:

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2025 Independence Day Schedule

Schedule will be updated with more information as the planning progresses.  Keep checking back for updates!
7:00am   Lifescape 5k Classic Run/Walk Begins
8:30am, 9:00am   Patriotic Prayer Breakfast, Location - Beattie Park
​2pm        Road Closures Begin
4:00pm   Vendors Open at Water Street & City Market Pavilion

4:30pm   Parade Master of Ceremonies, DJ Roland Stone, Parade Grand Stand Stage at Joe Marino Statue
4:40pm   Motorcycle Parade Begins
4:50pm   Screw City Jeep Club Parade Begins
5:00pm   Patriotic Parade Begins
​5:00pm   Live Entertainment at City Market Stage:  That 70's Band

7:00pm   Live Entertainment at City Market Stage:  ON THE ROCKS
7:00pm   Live Entertainment at Beattie Park Gazebo:  Mr Ed
​9:00pm   All Vendors stop sales
9:30pm   Firework Spectacle over Downtown Rockford synched to a soundtrack broadcasted on 103.1.  Show will also be broadcasted LIVE on TV on Fox39.  Fireworks Launch from Jefferson Street Bridge!
10pm       Fireworks conclude, event ends
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2025 EVENT SPONSORS & DONORS

Three cheers for the businesses and individuals that donate to make sure this even happens year after year!
These people are truly proud of their community and they show that by supporting us in
​celebrating the birth of our nation.
Want to sponsor the 4th of July Event?  Contact Ted or Tom TODAY! [email protected]
DONATE NOW
Thank you to the MANY local businesses, anonymous businesses and individuals that donate to make this community event happen every year! 
We receive checks from $5 and up from so many amazing, patriotic people, and we can't thank you enough.   
If you'd wish to donate, click the DONATE tab now and join in on being a part of this family fun event celebrating the birth of this great nation.
FOR TAX INFORMATION:  We are a 501(c)4 Non-For-Profit that operates financially under $100,000 a year for this event.
Our EIN is 36-3727661


DONOR LEVELS:
Sparkler Donors,  $1 - $199
Bottle Rocket Donors,  $200 - $499
Stars & Stripes Donors, $500 - $999
Uncle Sam Donors,  $1,000 - $1,999
Star Spangled Banner Donors,  $2,000 - $4,999
Firecracker Donors,  $5,000 - $9,999
Fantastic Fireworks Donors,  $10,000+
​Sponsorship's are also available! 
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ROAD & RIVER CLOSURE INFORMATION

Jefferson Street Bridge will close July 3rd at 12:00pm at East Jefferson and North 1st Street and West Jefferson Street and Wyman Street and remain closed through July 4th until midnight.  The pedestrian bridge under  Jefferson Street Bridge will be closed July 3rd and reopen July 5th.

Main roads downtown for the parade will close starting at 2pm on July 4th.  Most roads will open back up after the parade.
Bridges to remain CLOSED all evening:  Jefferson Street Bridge, State Street Bridge and Chestnut Street Bridge.
Bridges to remain OPEN all day/evening:  Whitman Street Bridge, Auburn Street Bridge, Morgan Street Bridge.

​After the parade, barricades will be moved away from the outer parade perimeter and tighter into the event space perimeter (Water St/City Market area/State St Bridge area) in downtown opening up more access to parking and ease of access to get to downtown.

Winnebago County Sheriff's office will be patrolling the Rock River all day including heavier patrol closer to the firework show. 
​Update on River traffic from the Winnebago County Sheriffs Office:
July 4th No Wake & River Safety Notice
Headed out on the water this Friday for the 4th? Here’s what you need to know:
A No Wake Zone will be in effect from 7:30 PM to midnight, covering the Auburn Street Bridge to the Dam.
What does No Wake mean?
Boats must operate at idle speed only—just fast enough to maintain steering. No speeding, no waves, no exceptions. This helps keep everyone safe and protects docks, boats, and people in the area.
After 8:00 PM, no boats will be allowed past the Lombardi Club heading south to the Dam due to the fireworks safety zone for the Jefferson Street Bridge show.
If you’re already past the Lombardi before 8:00 PM, you’ll be asked to travel north on the river until you’re clear of the restricted area.
Let’s all work together to keep the river safe while enjoying the fireworks. Thanks for your cooperation, and have a great holiday weekend!

ENTERTAINMENT

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  • 4th of July
  • PARADE Info
  • Entertainment & Food
  • DONATE
  • Volunteer!
  • Festival of Lights
  • FOL Rental Inventory
  • Joe Marino
  • Contact