On the second anniversary of the Highland Park parade mass shooting, not all residents are ready to attend the traditional Fourth of July parade and other large group festivities, according to James Lynch, executive director of The Art Center Highland Park.
As a “quiet alternative” to the city’s parade and festival, The Art Center Highland Park will offer an indoor art picnic for families and individuals seeking community during the somber anniversary.
Almost two years ago, seven people were killed and dozens more injured after a gunman opened fire at Highland Park’s annual Fourth of July Parade. The alleged gunman, Robert Crimo III, is being held in the Lake County jail as he awaits trial.
Community building and bringing people together has been a crux of The Art Center in recent years since the COVID-19 pandemic and the parade shooting, the executive director said.
“I thought it was a responsibility to offer people a quiet place where they did not have to be triggered,” Lynch said. “It’s part of our job to serve the community that way.”
In the aftermath of the 2022 mass shooting, Lynch said TAC installed a gallery at Lincoln Elementary School, where therapy sessions were being offered to the community. The non-profit art center also runs a monthly Art Night for anyone affected by the shooting.
“The arts have a way to achieve a therapeutic effect without actual therapy,” Lynch said.
On July 4, The Art Center will be open from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. The galleries offer plenty of space for those who want to spread a blanket and have an indoor picnic. Tables will also be set up with art supplies. There is no charge for the event, and registration is not necessary.
The Art Center is not connected with the city of Highland Park, but the city’s resiliency manager, Madeline Kati, said the art picnic is a “lovely option,” according to a TAC press release.
The words “HP STRONG” sit near a Highland Park sign after seven people were killed and at least two dozen were wounded on July 4th during a mass shooting Sunday July 10, 2022 in Highland Park, Ill. (Armando L. Sanchez/Chicago Tribune)
Highland Park recently announced final plans and a theme for this year’s Fourth of July Parade.
Lynch said he believes the city is doing the “right thing” when it comes to its plans for Independence Day.
“I know they’re doing it with great care and they’ve done their research,” he said. “They’ve done their homework.”
The city’s plans for the holiday — which include a remembrance ceremony, parade and community festival — are intended to, “balance the diverse needs of the community by providing space for remembrance and also familiar community traditions,” City Manager Ghida Neukirch said.
The parade theme is “Sweet Home Highland Park,” and will trek through downtown and uptown Highland Park on a new route.
The procession will end at Sunset Woods Park for the Fourth Fest celebration presented by the Park District of Highland Park. There will be food trucks, music and games at the park until the programming ends at 4:30 p.m.
chilles@chicagotribune.com
