Independence Day in Wilmette offered families an afternoon of festive family fun at Centennial Park on July 3 with free pool access for residents as part of this year’s Star Spangled Splash event.
This pint-sized patriotic extravaganza from 1 to 3 p.m. included carnival games, tattoo artist, face painting, bounce house, ice cream treats and a confetti fireworks show, combined with a public swim – free to Wilmette residents and open to non-residents for a fee – from 2 to 6 p.m.
Star Spangled Splash, now in its second year, is a more kid friendly Fourth of July celebration, according to the Wilmette Park District’s Aquatic and Ice General Manager Rochelle Kruse.
According to Kruse, Jason Stanislaw, racquet sports manager at the Wilmette Park District, responded to community feedback by offering Star Spangled Splash for the very first time in 2023, an Independence Day celebration geared to kids ages 3-to-7-years-old.
“Fourth of July celebrations have historically taken place in Wilmette on July 3 at the lakefront,” Kruse said, “starting with the early morning 5K, followed by family activities and entertainment in Gillson Park and an evening fireworks display. (It) makes for a very long day.”
“In addition to the change in location, by staggering the structure of of the day’s activities we have been able to give the younger ones something to do, and help to make it more family friendly,” Kruse added.
Jordan England of Wilmette, who attended with family, said, “We were excited to hear about today’s event and came looking for some summer outdoor fun for the kids.”
Jose Davilla of Wilmette also came by with family, who he says, “like to do as much as we can to celebrate summer,” especially with the kids out of school.
“This is something that the kids really enjoy,” Davilla said.
Alexandra Breuer of Wilmette attended with friends and family.
“Our two kids who attend Goddard school (and) have become best friends,” Breuer said. “So we love our family time and Wilmette has so many wonderful family-centered on activities for us to take advantage of together.”
Gina Grillo is a freelance reporter with Pioneer Press.
