July 02--As the sun rises on the Fourth of July, Yvonne Gray knows exactly where she'll be: at Jackson Park on the South Side, staking out a spot and preparing to boogie down to Chicago house music at the popular Chosen Few Picnic.
"If you don't get out there early, you will miss out on a good spot," said Gray, 45, of Washington Heights. "When you get there late, you don't get your full party time in. It's such a great event, with great music and everyone gets along."
The picnic, in its 25th year, is expected to draw 40,000 visitors to the South Side, organizers said.
It is just one of dozens of local celebrations and festivals that attract people from all over the country to spend their holiday in the city, officials with Choose Chicago, the city's tourism agency said.
"Summer months are a peak performance period for Chicago hotels, and the Fourth of July holiday weekend is no exception," said Don Welsh, the president and CEO of Choose Chicago.
The three-day sold out Grateful Dead 50th Anniversary Concert that will take place at Soldier Field will attract even more visitors to the city, Welsh said in a statement.
"We expect the concert will have a significant impact on room demand, especially for Friday and Saturday, but well into Sunday, when you would typically see a fall off. Prevailing room rates in Chicago over the dates of the concert are already beginning to reflect the impact of this unique event. Needless to say, it's a busy weekend, and it's big events like these that will continue to help drive visitation to Chicago."
The Fourth of July is considered one of the biggest tourism draws in Chicago because of a long list of diverse events, including festivals, park celebrations, museum events tailored for the holiday and of course, the fireworks at Navy Pier.
In the neighborhoods, families will gather at local parks to grill and host their own parties.
But downtown, more than 120,000 visitors are expected to pour onto Navy Pier to see the fireworks display, which starts at 9:30 p.m., said Nick Shields, a spokesman for the facility.
In past years, officials have had to close the pier up to three hours before the fireworks because they had so many guests, Shields said. The parking garage filled up even earlier, he said. On a typical Saturday, the pier usually accommodates about 65,000 people.
"We are asking all those that plan to celebrate at Navy Pier to come early," Shields said. "So many from Chicago and around the world come here to experience the fireworks. We are gearing up."
Navy Pier has three alternate parking garages that will offer discount pricing, Shields said. Navy Pier opens at 10 a.m. and closes at midnight.
Besides Navy Pier, there is the Grant Park Music Festival at Millennium Park, which will showcase classical music, and there is the African/Caribbean-themed International Festival of Life in Union Park in the West Loop.
The Chicago History Museum is presenting a reading of the Declaration of Independence along with live music. The Windy City RibFest is set for Uptown.
There are seven boat companies offering special nighttime cruises to view the fireworks. Wateriders Chicago Kayak Tours is also hosting a fireworks paddle that night.
At the Grant Park Spirit of Music Garden, SummerDance will host a night of salsa dancing with a live band and dance instructors.
Other events from around the area include:
--In the South Suburbs, Oak Forest hosts Oak Fest; the free event features a car and bike show, live music and a fireworks display.
--In its 28th year, the Naperville Ribfest will feature an international and craft beer tasting along with live music, food vendors and carnival rides.
--In Berwyn, FitzGerald's hosts its American Music Festival, with bands on three stages.
--The Northwest Fourth Fest in Hoffman Estates has carnival rides and food and crafts vendors among other activities.
--In Highland Park, there is a children's bike and pet parade along with a battle of the bands scheduled.
--There will be nearly 100 booths set up at the Chicago Botanic Garden Art Festival in Glencoe.
lbowean@tribpub.com
