We are rapidly approaching one of the most dangerous times of the year for our children. The 4th of July is coming and with it all the dangers of illegal fireworks.

The best way to protect your children is to be with them. Start planning now to make the 4th a family day. Picnics, games, movies — you decide. Top them off with a magnificent fireworks display put on by a professional pyrotechnic company.

Our community is fortunate that we will have two free shows at our lakefront. I recommend that you pack up refreshments and a blanket and take the Foster or Lawrence or Peterson bus to the lake.

On Saturday, July 3rd the outstanding Saddle and Cycle Display can be seen. The show takes place at Foster Beach.

On Sunday, July 4th the City is starting a new tradition. Instead of a gigantic show in the loop, there will be 3 barges in the lake putting on a synchronized show at 9:00 p.m. The nearest show is 2,000 feet off the lake between Foster and Lawrence.

The City has been preparing for this for months. Margate Park will be the police/fire staging area and many Uptown side streets will be closed East of Broadway.

We are expecting between 350,000 and 400,000 people. There will be all sorts of additional public transportation and city services. So join us. Relax. Have some safe fun.
The CTA has made special arrangements for the 4th of July include:

• 147 bus will run but may be diverted to Broadway north of Hollwood
• Time between redline trains will be reduced by 5 minutes
• Trains will be lengthened from 4 to 6 cars
• staging area on Marine Drive for buses
• No parking on Marine Drive because of staging buses. Margate Park Field House will be the command center for police, fire and emergency services

East – West Streets south of Foster will be closed that evening at a time to be determined. Tow trucks will be available to tow illegally parked cars. Port-a-potties will be numerous and scattered throughout the area. There is a great scarcity of parking in the area so we recommend; Take Public Transportation