Live music and fireworks on July 4

The tradition of celebrating Independence Day with live music followed by fireworks will continue Saturday, July 4 along the south banks of the Kankakee River.

The event is a fundraiser for the Kankakee Valley Symphony Orchestra and takes place on the north lawn of Kankakee Community College. Each performance will feature American and patriotic music.

• 4:30 p.m.: Gates open at KCC. Admission is $20 per carload – cash only. All proceeds benefit the Kankakee Valley Symphony Orchestra.
• 5 p.m.: Food concessions open. Vendors are Jimmy Jo’s BBQ, Martinez Tacos, Lauren’s Hot Apple Dumplings, Brewhead Espresso, and Kankakee Valley Youth Symphony Orchestra Concessions.
• After 5 p.m.: Barbi Brewer-Watson, president of the KVSO board of directors, will give opening remarks.
• 5:30 p.m.: Kankakee Valley Youth Symphony Orchestra concert
• 6:30 p.m.: Kankakee Municipal Band
• 7:30 p.m.: Kankakee Valley Symphony Orchestra concert
• Dusk: Fireworks begin. The fireworks show will be approximately 25 minutes long.

On the KCC grounds, picnicking is welcomed, and indoor restrooms are available. Concertgoers are encouraged to bring chairs and blankets; no seating is provided. KCC’s grounds are handicap accessible. Grills and personal fireworks, including sparklers, are not permitted.

The KVSO symphony concert is underwritten by Riverside Medical Center and the Illinois Arts Council. Kankakee Valley Park District, the City of Kankakee and KCC are also sponsors.

KCC is located at 100 College Drive, off River Road, south of downtown Kankakee.

About the Kankakee Valley Symphony Orchestra

Originally known as the Society for Friends of Music, KVSO was established in 1967 for the purpose of experiencing the joy of music together. Today the KVSOA Board of Directors, the Kankakee Valley Youth Symphony, The KVSO Women’s Guild, and the KVSO Foundation all make up the Kankakee Valley Symphony Orchestra Association.