CHAMPAIGN, Ill. (WCIA) — For yet another year, it was all about the red, white and blue in Champaign.
The Champaign County Freedom Celebration took place on Friday, enjoying a long-standing tradition that dates back to 1949. This annual event filled the entire day with activities, from early morning until evening.
On July 4, the celebration unfolded over three main segments: an afternoon parade, followed by a lively festival, and capped off with a spectacular fireworks display.
There was enough patriotism to outshine Uncle Sam himself. That’s what was on-hand Friday in Champaign for Independence Day.
The day’s events began with a parade proudly making its way down Fourth Street, headlined by Grand Marshal Alvin Decker, a 98-year-old resident of Philo.
“Slim pickings, that’s how it wound up… you know how it is,” Decker said.
Decker said he remembers when he brought his children to celebrate the Fourth in Champaign.
“Who would ever dream I’d be doing this today?” Decker said. “But strange things happen, I guess. It’s a great Fourth of July. Next to Christmas, it’s the best holiday there is.”
Also participating in the parade were local organizations and first responders from across the county. From there the party continued, as many found their way to Lot 31 outside Memorial Stadium for music and food.
Country singer Nathan Applegate and his musicians performed throughout the evening.
“It’s great to see everybody out in a time when, you know, there’s always something crazy going on in the world,” Applegate said. “So, it’s nice to just take a break from all that and come out and celebrate the great country we live in.”
Urbana’s Isaiah Poe was one of hundreds enjoying the fun.
“I feel like, you know, sometimes there’s not a lot to do in some of these rural areas,” Poe said. “So, the fact we have events, I think if they throw events, people will come. And I think everybody just wants to come out, have a good time, celebrate America and just have a great start to a long weekend this week.”
Making its return for another year was also a sensory friendly zone.
“Just nice, quiet activities in case they’re getting over-stimulated with all the music and all the 4th of July fun,” said organizer Diane Ducey.
In America’s heartland — a salute to independence and freedom — and all the joy it brings.
Each year the festivities are 100% volunteer led. Additionally, the event was condensed this year with the festivities beginning at 4:30 p.m. instead of their past noon start. The fireworks finished off the fun near State Farm Center at 9:15 p.m.
