Where do you park?  Where's the restrooms?  Will there be food available? 

We 've got answer to all these questions and more!  To assist you in getting the most out of your day, we 've p ut together some of the most often requested information for this years events into one easy-to-use document. .. The Spectator Guide!

SCHEDULE

PARKING

Free parking is available in any paved lot on the University of Illinois campus. Handicap parking is available in the Assembly Hall parking lots and on Oak Street between Kirby Avenue and Stadium Drive. NOTE : There is NO PARKING permitted on the grass. Please help us save the grass and the extra spectator space! Signs will be posted.

For the Evening Program, parking is available in all of the Parkland Community College lots, Dodds Softball Complex lots and at the Illinois Emplyment Training Center. Handicapped parking for the Evening Program is in the Soccer Field parking area near Parkland's main entrance at Bradley & Clayton. Please note that our intended shuttle service from the outer Parkland lots has been reduced due to circumstances beyond our control. Please plan accordingly.

ROAD CLOSURES

5k & Parade:
Parade spectators should note that the parade route is closed to traffic between 10:30 a.m. and approximately 4:00 p.m. Plan to access University parking lots by approaching the campus area from the North and West sides for the parade events
Evening Program:
Bradley Avenue will be 2 lanes Westbound only after 6pm between Country Fair Drive and Clayton. (Parkland's Main Entrance) This section of Bradley will be closed during the fireworks show and will be 2 lanes Eastbound only post fireworks. Please see the event map for other traffic restrictions.

RESTROOMS

5K Race:
Porta-potties are available in the area of the start/finish line as well as along the parade route. Handicap accessible porta-potties are located near the Seniors tent on Kirby south of Memorial Stadium and in the Southwest corner of Stadium Terrace near Kirby and Oak Street.
Parade:
Restrooms are available along the parade route at Lincoln and Illinois (port-a-potties); Lincoln between Indiana and Michigan (port-a-potties); Illini Grove Pavilion restrooms at Lincoln and Pennsylvania; Florida East of Maryland (port-a-potties); Kirby near the Seniors tent and reviewing stand (handicapped accessible port-a-potties). Handicap accessible port-a-potties are located near the Seniors tent on Kirby south of Memorial Stadium.
Evening/Fireworks:
Restrooms are available in Dodds Park near the soccer fields. Port-a-potties will be placed throught the park and parking lots. .

SAFETY INFORMATION

• Police Officers will be on foot patrol throughout the event. Please contact them should you need assistance or have an emergency.
• Paramedic teams are positioned along the parade route. Should you have a medical emergency, please contact the Paramedics or any police officer.
• Parents, please keep your children on the curb and out of the street during the parade. Drivers of vehicles moving on the parade route have reduced visibility due to the large crowds.
• Please hold the hands of small children when walking to or away from the parade route and evening show areas. It is very easy to become separated in the large crowds.
• Please be considerate of others when playing with water guns. Be polite and don't squirt people who do not wish to be a target.
• Police will confiscate illegal fireworks. For the maximum safety of the crowd, please leave the fireworks to the professionals.

SENIORS

The seniors tent will be located on Kirby south of Memorial Stadium. Transportation will be available to seniors from several locations. Please contact the hotline at 217/366-3777 or the website at http://www.july4th.net/parade/seniors.htm for more information.

FOOD VENDORS

Food and drinks will be available along the parade route as well as at the evening show. Please see the map for specific locations.

EVENING VIEW AREAS

event map

EVENT MAPS

Click Here to see/download the current event maps.