GURNEE, Ill. (WLS) — As the country gets ready to celebrate its 250th birthday Saturday, communities throughout the Chicago area are putting their own spin on the milestone, with local events planned in places including Gurnee and McHenry.
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In Gurnee, the village is holding its first Fourth of July celebration at the same park better known for hosting Gurnee Days each August. This time, village leaders are using the space for a patriotic day filled with live entertainment, family-friendly activities and food trucks.
Ahead of the gates opening, members of the Gurnee Symphony Orchestra were already on site, tuning up and running through a sound check as crews prepared for the crowd.
“We wanted to put our take on America’s 250th,” said Mike Szpylman, executive director.
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Farther northwest, McHenry is leaning into America’s pastime for its own celebration. The McHenry Outdoor Theater is teaming up with Major League Baseball for a baseball-themed event, making it one of only four theaters nationwide chosen to take part.
“It’s very cool to have this event for MLB in our little community,” said Scott Dehn of the McHenry Outdoor Theater.
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