The people of Evanston take July 4 very seriously. The day-long celebration, which involves year-long planning and preparation, is organized and run by a private group, not the city.
There is a parade along Central Street, a musical performance in a park by the beach, and then a fireworks show on the beach. According to all I have heard and read, everything is done at an excellent level. One magazine rated the celebration as the third best in the nation, behind only those of Washington and Boston.
By the morning of July 3 both sides of Central Street already were lined with chairs reserving people’s favorite locations for watching the parade scheduled for the following afternoon.
Unfortunately, this year’s parade was held in a light drizzle.
The evening concert was overcast, but without rain.
The sky cleared for the fireworks show. The fireworks are set off very close to the public viewing area. The loud sounds of both the launches and the explosions, coupled with the smoke wafting in our direction, made for a very memorable experience.
That night Adam hosted the final party for the swim teams. (He moves out on Friday.) It was a grand event, featuring beer pong and saki bombs.
Note: The women in the photograph above are professional beer pong models and not to be mistaken for members of the Northwestern swim team.
Note: For those not familiar with the term, these are saki bombs. Any number can play.
It was a night to remember.
