Fourth of July events

Flags in the 1700 block of Villa St.

The Fourth of July weekend is here! Here's a look at the weekend events to celebrate our nation's 233rd birthday ...

Friday

Sturtevant Fireworks

Village residents rallied this year to save the annual fireworks display. Head down to watch the show and help pay off this year's bills and earn some money for next year's show. The fireworks will be held at Fireman's Park on Charles Street at dusk (around 9:15 p.m.). Admission is free, but there's a $5 parking fee.

Saturday

FourthFest Parade

Racine's July 4 parade is one of the largest in the Midwest -- so big, in fact, that it has two starting times. At 8:15 a.m. Saturday, the "pre-parade" of fire engines and motorcycles starts the fun. At 9 a.m. the parade itself begins, at Goold and Main Streets, heading south on Main to 14th Street and then west to the Golden Rondelle.

Early-risers can reserve their spot along the parade route beginning at 5 a.m. Click here to see the parade lineup and to download a printable copy to bring with to the parade.

Cookie Decorating at the Zoo

Children can decorate a star-shaped sugar cookie provided by O&H Bakery from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. They'll receive a free flag when they enter the zoo. The event is part of the Racine Zoo's Safari Saturdays.

Jam for Uncle Sam

The Racine Chapter of the Harley Owner's Group will present “4th Jam for Uncle Sam" at Festival Park following the parade. Gates open at 12:30 p.m. and the festival runs until 11 p.m. It features three bands, food, a presentation of colors, 50/50 raffle, karaoke stage and premium seating for the fireworks.

Admission is $10; a $20 advance purchase package includes admission, parking and pork plate dinner, and one of the best seats in town to view the Fourth Fest Fireworks. Tickets are available at Racine Harley-Davidson, the Racine Civic Centre Box Office and at Ticketmaster.

Proceeds benefit the Wheaton Franciscan Pediatric Center. Event will occur rain or shine at Festival Hall.

Fireworks

Racine's fireworks on the lakefront (shot off from North Beach) begin at dusk around 9:15 p.m.