Press Release!
We are very sorry to announce that the Champaign County Freedom Celebration (CCFC) will be cancelled for this year. This includes the parade, 5k race, and fireworks. The CCFC board waited as long as possible to make this decision but the recent announcement from the University of Illinois (covid19.illinois.edu) to cancel all summer events until further notice prompted this decision. The Champaign County Freedom Celebration started in 1949, and could not happen without the support of our community, including the University of Illinois, City of Urbana, City of Champaign, all local police departments, fire departments, public works, corporate sponsors, and support from citizens like you. As our country goes through this unprecedented crisis, we know that everyone looks forward to gathering together to celebrate our great nation. Thank you for your continued support and we look forward to seeing you all on July 4th, 2021. If you have questions or need additional information, please contact us at info@july4th.net.
Evening Program
Evening Program
The evening's festivities begin at 7 p.m. with musical entertainment on the main stage which will be located along Kirby Ave between First & Oak Streets. There will also be children's activites. (bounce house/inflatables) Parking is available in the State Farm Center and Activities and Recreation Center (ARC) parking lots. Following the music, at around 9:10 p.m., there will be some announcements & presentations. After the announcements, there will be the singing of our National Anthem, an invocation, and then the retiring of our nations flag by a color guard. Immediately following, the always entertaining fireworks display. Drones are not permitted; the area is a no fly zone for drones.
The Freedom Celebration Fireworks Location
The launch location will be lot E-14 west of the State Farm Center.
Melrose Pyrotechnics
Once again this year, we will have a spectacular fireworks display! Melrose Pyrotechnics will treat us to a show they have carefully choreographed and synchronized with a custom sound-track. They've put together some great shows for us in the past and this year is sure to be no different!
The fireworks will begin at dusk, approximately 9:15 PM. Should inclement weather affect the scheduled start time of the fireworks, in the interest of safety and public enjoyment, the Board of Directors and Committee will attempt to make a decision as to whether to delay the fireworks to a more advantageous time. Every attempt will be made to make this decision as early as possible to notify the public of any changes. Should a delay be required, all local media will be notified of the change.
Be sure to come early and sit close to the stage. You will be entertained by this year's live band and when the evening show is completed, this is the best way to hear the synchronized music track. Should you find yourself out of range of the stage, be sure to bring a radio and you can hear the fireworks music on NewsTalk1400 WDWS AM and Lite Rock 97.5 WHMS. We would like to remind you, that This is a NO DRONE ZONE. If caught using a drone could result in a fine.
Band
Wreckless Whiskey
Other Presenters/Performers
| MC: | Scott Beatty ( Promotions, Host and Producer - WHMS) |
| National Anthem: | Crystal McCullough |
| Invocation: | Meadowbrook Community Church |
| Taps: | Kiara Chavarria |
| Honor Guard: | Troop 1 Boy Scouts of America |
Song Selection
| Song Title | Artist |
|---|---|
| Star Spangled Banner | Whitney Houston |
| National Emblem March | E.E. Bagley |
| Party in the USA | Miley Cyrus |
| America the Beautiful | Straight No Chaser |
| Chicken Fried | Zac Brown Band |
| God Bless America | Leann Rimes |
| Armed Forces Medley | US Marine Band |
| What a Wonderful World | Louis Armstrong |
| Philadelphia Freedom | Elton John |
| Living in America | James Brown |
| Our Country | John Mellencamp |
| America, Spread Your Golden Wings | EPCOT |
| God Bless the USA | Lee Greenwood |
| Stars & Stripes Forever | J. P. Sousa |
| You're a Grand Old Flag | Mormon Tabernacle Choir |
Listen live online
Inclement Weather Policy
Every effort will be made to have the evening show & fireworks occur on schedule. There are a number of factors that may contribute to a postponement (or cancellation) of events. The CCFC, fireworks provider,and/ or Champaign Fire Department have the primary responsibility for public & property safety. Whenever, in the opinion of the authorities, any hazardous conditions exist, the fireworks display shall be postponed until the condition is corrected. Some environmental conditions that may cause concern:
- High winds (20 mph or higher)
- Wind direction (crowd safety)
- Precipitation
- Lightning
- Fire
- Medical Emergency
- Equipment malfunction, hazardous debris, etc.
- Spectators entering any part of the discharge site/fall out area
- Dry conditions
Concessions
Food, drink, & activity vendors are located at various points along the parade route and in the fireworks vendor area during the evening show.
More Information