Thursday, July 3, 2025 | View in browser
Good afternoon,
Read below for everything you need to know about this year’s 4th of July celebrations, a reminder about fireworks, and how to sign up for the EvanstonAlerts notification system.
 Join the July 4th festivities in Evanston! ✨
Evanston's cherished 4th of July festivities are tomorrow! Organized by the Evanston Fourth of July Association, the community can anticipate a day filled with excitement, featuring morning games, a Kids' Fun Run, a vibrant parade, a concert, and a fireworks display. View the 2025 parade program online.
A few quick reminders
Service changes: The City has announced service and facility schedule changes for the Independence Day holiday. No refuse collections will occur on Fri., July 4. Collections will occur one day later than normal.
Public safety: For updates regarding traffic, parking, and more, visit the EPD Twitter account.
Beach safety: Remember to observe signs and flags, note when lifeguards are not on duty, and exercise caution when enjoying Evanston beaches. All swimming beaches, except Clark Street Beach, will be open on July 4, from 10:30 a.m. to 8 p.m. Clark Street Beach will be closed for the fireworks display setup and show.
Cooling Center: The National Weather Service is predicting a high near 90 degrees on July 4. As a result, the Gibbs-Morrison Cultural Center, 1823 Church St., will remain open as a cooling center from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m.
 Leave the fireworks to the professionals
Consumer fireworks (including sparklers, firecrackers, and Roman candles) are illegal in Evanston, even if purchased out of state.
Why are consumer fireworks illegal? Fireworks can cause serious distress for many in our community, especially pets, veterans, young children, and those with sensory sensitivities. Loud, unpredictable noise can trigger anxiety, trauma, or confusion for people and animals alike.
Let’s keep Evanston safe, calm, and inclusive for everyone this July 4th by leaving the fireworks to the professionals and enjoying the official lakefront display instead.
 Stay informed. Stay safe. Sign up for EvanstonAlerts. 🚨
In an emergency, every second counts. Make sure you and your loved ones are the first to know by signing up for EvanstonAlerts, the City’s official emergency notification system. Whether it’s severe weather, public safety incidents, or other urgent updates, EvanstonAlerts delivers real-time notifications straight to your phone, email, or both, so you can stay informed and take action. Sign up today at cityofevanston.org/alerts.
More News and Events
West Nile Virus detected in Evanston mosquitoes 🦟
The North Shore Mosquito Abatement District found the first West Nile virus-positive mosquitoes in Evanston this year on June 23. Although infection risk is low, please take precautions by using repellent, wearing loose clothing, and removing standing water.
Participate in the Environmental Equity Workshop on July 16
Join the Environmental Equity team for a public workshop on Wed., July 16 at 6 p.m. at the Levy Senior Center. The workshop will include a brief update on key findings from the team and interactive activities to explore strategies for advancing environmental equity in Evanston.
D65 seeks community input on school closure criteria
As part of the next phase of its Structural Deficit Reduction Plan, District 65 is exploring the possibility of additional school closures or consolidations. This presents a critical opportunity for stakeholders to share their voice in reimagining and reinvesting in the future of public education within our community. Please take a short survey by July 7 to share your feedback!
Trot for Tails: fun for a cause! 🐕
Join the Evanston Animal Shelter for their Trot for Tails fundraiser on Sat., July 12, from 9 a.m. to noon at Centennial Park! Enjoy pup cups, an agility course, and fun community vibes, all to support animals in need. Can’t attend? Donate today.
Alley and sidewalk upgrades ahead
The 2025 Alley and Sidewalk Improvements project will begin in the next two weeks and continue through November 21. Parking will be restricted weekdays from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. during construction, with notices posted 48 hours in advance. Read more about work locations and scope.
New trail connection feasibility report released 🚲
The Wilmette Park District, in partnership with the Village of Wilmette and the City of Evanston, has completed a feasibility study exploring a potential trail connection between Sheridan Road and the North Shore Channel Trail. View the final report and project details.
Get Engaged
Community Calendar
'Evanston Recycles' Recap: A Sustainable Success

The City’s annual Evanston Recycles event was a success once again! Held last Saturday, the event saw a strong turnout, with 1,029 vehicles and 72 walk- or bike-ins participating.
Community members took advantage of the opportunity to safely dispose of a wide range of items, from electronics and documents for shredding to unwanted household goods and hard-to-recycle materials. A huge "thank you" goes out to all the City's Public Works staff who made this year’s event run smoothly.
That’s it for today's e-news. Thanks for reading!
Sincerely,
The City of Evanston Communications Team
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