The tradition of celebrating Independence Day with live music followed by fireworks will continue Thursday, July 4 along the south banks of the Kankakee River.
The event will include three live music performances. Kankakee Community College gates open at 4:30 p.m., and admission is $20 per carload. All proceeds benefit the Kankakee Valley Symphony Orchestra. Food concessions will also be available beginning at 4:30 p.m. Vendors will be Jimmy Jo’s BBQ, Martinez Tacos, Oberweis Ice Cream and Kankakee Valley Youth Symphony Orchestra Concessions.
All groups will be performing American and patriotic music. The schedule of events includes the Kankakee Valley Youth Symphony Orchestra concert at 5:30 p.m.; the Kankakee Municipal Band at 6:30 p.m.; and the Kankakee Valley Symphony Orchestra concert at 7:30 p.m. The symphony concert will feature KCC President Dr. Michael Boyd narrating a special presentation of “Casey at the Bat.” Fireworks will begin at dusk, approximately 9 p.m.
The fireworks show will be approximately 25 minutes long. 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.
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.
KCC is located at 100 College Drive, off River Road, south of downtown Kankakee.
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.
Image credits: Darren Danks on Pixabay (fireworks image), and Jon Sailer on Unsplash (American flag image).
Registration is underway for Kankakee Community College’s fall semester courses.
“The staff, professors, and faculty are extremely warm and helpful,” said Guadalupe Martinez of Kankakee. “Campus is easy to navigate, and finding classrooms is easy. Not only that, but the cost is a big advantage of KCC.”
Martinez, a 2024 KCC graduate, is transferring to the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign to major in psychology.
There are two general paths for KCC students: transfer and career/technical education. Transfer students enroll in programs and courses which lead to a four-year college/university degree. Career/technical students have multiple options which lead to certifications, degrees and employment.
New students can start by submitting an application at https://apply.kcc.edu. After applying, new students meet with a KCC academic advisor and finish the registration process.
Returning students can use the My KCC portal at https://my.kcc.edu and go to the “Self-Service” link to register. In addition, registration and advising appointments for returning students are available at www.kcc.edu/student-resources/advising.
All students are encouraged to register early for the best selection of classes.
“The advice I would give someone at KCC is get to know the staff and don’t be afraid to ask for assistance because they would gladly help a student with anything they can,” said Robert Billings of Kankakee. “Get into some activities and make a group of friends to feel like you belong and are a part of the community of KCC.” Billings completed a KCC transfer degree in December 2023.
College offices will be closed June 28, July 4, 12, 19 and 26.
KCC’s Riverfront Campus in Kankakee is located at 100 College Drive, south of downtown Kankakee.
Students also can register and meet with advisers at the KCC South Extension Center, 1488 E. Walnut St. in Watseka, next to the Watseka Riverside Medical Center facility. Extension center advising hours are Tuesday and Thursday, 9 a.m. - 5 p.m. and other times by appointment. The phone number is 815-802-8270.
For further information, make a request at info.kcc.edu or phone 815-802-8500.
Jerald Hoekstra has been honored with the prestigious Illinois Community College Trustees Association Certificate of Merit Award.
Hoekstra, who recently retired from the Kankakee Community College Board of Trustees, received the award at the ICCTA Annual Awards Banquet in Chicago on June 7.
The ICCTA Certificate of Merit Award celebrates individuals who have made significant contributions to ICCTA, the Illinois community college system, or an individual member college.
“Kankakee Community College extends its deepest gratitude to Jerry for his dedication and congratulates him on this well-deserved recognition,” said Cathy Boicken, chairperson for the KCC board of trustees . “Jerry’s leadership has been instrumental in guiding the college through significant milestones and challenges.”
“Mr. Hoekstra's receipt of this award is a reflection of his career-long dedication to the community college system and his impactful contributions to Kankakee Community College,” said Dr. Michael Boyd, president of KCC. “Jerry’s commitment to enhancing educational opportunities and his support for critical developments at KCC have made an impact for KCC and the community we serve. This award is a testament to his remarkable contributions and the lasting legacy he leaves behind."
Major road repairs began May 28 at the Riverfront Campus on College Drive.
The repairs will are directly in front of the flag poles. Please see the graphic below to see where repairs are taking place:
Affected:
Access to the courtyard from the parking lot side.
All parking lots are open. Detour signs are posted.
This work is expected to be completed by July 26.
Traffic cones image by Frauke Riether on Pixabay.