Concert for the Troops, Military Honors Ceremony & America250 Fireworks Remain On as Scheduled – Thursday, July 16

Join the Village of Carol Stream this evening for a special celebration honoring our community's veterans and commemorating America's 250th anniversary. The event features the inaugural dedication of the Carol Stream Military Honors Banner Program, the Presentation of the Colors and National Anthem, the annual Concert for the Troops featuring 7th Heaven, and the Village's rescheduled America250 fireworks.

Heat, Air Quality & Weather

Today's events remain on as scheduled.

Hot temperatures and poor air quality are expected throughout the day. If you plan to attend, we encourage you to drink plenty of water, take breaks in the shade or air conditioning, and avoid overexertion. Older adults, young children, pregnant individuals, and anyone with asthma, heart disease, or other respiratory conditions should consider limiting prolonged outdoor activity.

Village staff will continue to monitor weather conditions throughout the day and will share updates if conditions change.

Event Schedule

5:00 p.m. – Carol Stream Veterans Banner Program Dedication Ceremony
6:00–8:30 p.m. – Food vendors open
6:45 p.m. – Presentation of the Colors & National Anthem
7:00–9:00 p.m. – 7th Heaven in concert
Approximately 9:15 p.m. – America250 Fireworks

Location
Ross Ferraro Town Center
960 N. Gary Avenue
Carol Stream

Event Details

Military Honors Banner Dedication Ceremony

5:00–5:30 p.m.
Veterans Memorial Plaza (within Ross Ferraro Town Center)

Join us for the inaugural dedication ceremony honoring six local veterans through the new Carol Stream Military Honors Banner Program, a partnership between the Village of Carol Stream and Carol Stream VFW Post 10396. The ceremony also includes the dedication of a memorial bench honoring the late Commander Rich Hildenbrand.

Food Vendors

6:00–8:30 p.m.

Food and beverages will be available for purchase before and during the concert.

• Legends Pizza
• Inches Tacos
• Golden Eagle Hot Dog
• Dairy Queen
• Kona Ice
• Just a Taste Confections
• Popcorn by Carol Stream Police Volunteers (benefiting Special Olympics Illinois)
• Beverages by the Rotary Club of Carol Stream

Presentation of the Colors & National Anthem

6:45 p.m.
Gazebo at Ross Ferraro Town Center

Presentation of the Colors by Carol Stream VFW Post 10396, followed by the National Anthem performed by local resident Erin Fischer.

Concert for the Troops Featuring 7th Heaven

7:00–9:00 p.m.

Enjoy a free performance by 7th Heaven, one of the Midwest's premier rock bands, performing high-energy hits spanning multiple decades.

America250 Fireworks

Approximately 9:15 p.m.
Viewable from Ross Ferraro Town Center
Launched from Hampe Park (park closed to the public)

Immediately following the concert, the Village will present its rescheduled America250 fireworks display. Originally planned for July 4, the fireworks were postponed due to weather and will now conclude this special evening.

Location, Parking & Traffic

Ross Ferraro Town Center
960 N. Gary Avenue, Carol Stream

Admission is free.

Police Department volunteers will direct traffic and assist with parking. Accessible parking will be available.

Overflow Parking

Park & Walk parking will be available beginning at 6:00 p.m. at 205 E. Lies Road (Gary Avenue and Lies Road). Please follow posted signs and directions from event volunteers.

Traffic Restrictions

Lies Road will be closed to through traffic from 7:00–10:00 p.m. Once the roadway is closed, residents are welcome to gather along Lies Road to watch the fireworks.

For everyone's safety, bikes, e-bikes, and scooters are prohibited during the event.

Additional Information

• Bring a lawn chair or blanket to enjoy the concert. Tents are not permitted.
• Outside alcohol is not permitted.
• Restrooms will be available inside the Visitor Center building and portable restrooms will also be available on-site.
• If severe weather develops, updates will be shared through the Village website and social media.

For complete event details, parking information, and any weather updates, visit:

https://carolstre.am/ConcertForTheTroops

We look forward to honoring our veterans and celebrating with the community.