Theme: “Peace – Love – Unity”

Organized by the Rockford 4th of July Civic Committee, this beloved tradition honors the legacy of founder Joe Marino (1963–2018) and celebrates our community’s enduring spirit.

🎉 Full-Day Schedule of Events

Morning Kickoff

7:00 AM – Lifescape 5K Classic Run/Walk

8:30 AM – Patriotic Prayer Breakfast at Beattie Park

Afternoon & Evening Festivities

4:30 PM – Parade MC Freedom Bennett at the Parade Grand Stand Stage (Water & State Streets)

4:40 PM – Motorcycle Parade

4:50 PM – Screw City Jeep Club Parade

5:00 PM – Main Patriotic Parade

Starts at 7th Street

Proceeds west on East State Street

Crosses the State Street Bridge

Concludes at Church Street

🎶 Live Entertainment

City Market Pavilion (100 N Water St):

5:00 PM – That 70’s Band

7:00 PM – On The Rocks

Beattie Park Gazebo:

7:00 PM – Mr. Ed

🎆 Fireworks Spectacular – 9:30 PM

Enjoy a 30-minute fireworks show launched from the Jefferson Street Bridge—the first time in 25 years!

🎶 Synchronized with 103.1 FM and aired live on WTVO17.

🚧 Road & River Closure Information

Bridge Closures

Closed July 3 at 12:00 PM through July 4 at Midnight:

Jefferson Street Bridge (at East Jefferson & North 1st St / West Jefferson & Wyman St)

Pedestrian Path Under Jefferson Street Bridge:

Closed July 3 and reopens July 5

Bridges CLOSED All Evening July 4:

Jefferson Street Bridge

State Street Bridge

Chestnut Street Bridge

Bridges OPEN All Day/Evening July 4:

Whitman Street Bridge

Auburn Street Bridge

Morgan Street Bridge

Parade Route & Downtown Access

July 4, 2:00 PM – Parade route roads downtown will close

After Parade Conclusion:

Barricades will be repositioned from the outer parade perimeter to the core event area (Water St / City Market / State St Bridge area)

This will restore additional downtown access and parking options

Rock River Regulations

Winnebago County Sheriff's Office will patrol the river all day

Increased patrol presence near fireworks time

No boat traffic allowed during the fireworks or within 300 feet of the Jefferson Street Bridge