Area Fourth of July Celebrations

Yeah, yeah. So the Fourth of July falls inconveniently on a Wednesday this year. But so what? Let's welcome the midweek break with festivals and fun, beer and bingo. And fireworks. Lots and lots of fireworks. Below is a list of area happenings. All take place on Wednesday, July 4 unless otherwise noted. If we missed anything, please feel free to add it in the comments.

Oak Park

The 2012 parade begins at 10 a.m. at at Ridgeland Avenue and Adams Street, then heads north on Ridgeland to Augusta Street and turns east to disperse at The fireworks show is scheduled to begin at dusk in the football stadium outside of , 201 N. Scoville Ave.

Forest Park

Billed as a "one-day vacation without leaving town," residents can visit the pool, play bingo, play games, munch on food from local vendors and take in performances by the Panda Studio Dancers and a concert from InRoads. Most activities take place at the Park District of Forest Park campus, 7501 W. Harrison St. Fireworks are scheduled to begin at 9:15 p.m. at Park District of Forest Park grounds.

Elmwood Park

The village's "Freedom Fest" begins with a parade at 10 a.m. at 1 Conti Parkway and proceeds up and down Fullerton and Grand Avenues. Later in the day, residents are invited to Elmwood Park High School for food, refreshments and drinks in a beer garden. Gates open at 6 p.m.; The New Invaders will perform at 7:00 p.m; Fireworks at 9:30 p.m.

Cicero

The town of Cicero won't have much happening on the actual Fourth of July. They're saving the party for the weekend, when it hosts American Fest. This three-day festival, located at 34th Street and Laramie Avenue, begins Friday and will be jam-packed with food, carnival rides and live music. And if that's not enough to entice you, Chicago Blackhawks legends will be signing autographs throughout the weekend — Bobby Hull (3-5 p.m. Saturday), Denis Savard (3-5 p.m. Sunday), Stan Mikita (5-7 p.m. Sunday). Fireworks take place 10 p.m. Sunday.

Berwyn

No parade, no fireworks. Maybe everyone will be recovering from the American Music Festival at FitzGerald's, which brings a dozens of bands to the legendary roadhouse for a big ol' American party. The festival takes place June 29 through July 1 and picks up again with a July 3 blowout featuring 11 bands, with Waco Brothers headlining.