Celebrating the 4th of July in Chicago

When I think of the 4^th of July, the first thing that comes to my mind is barbeques, cookouts, and fireworks. Well all of those things and more can be ways to celebrate the 4^th. Although Chicago is known as the Windy City, the summers here are scorching hot. There's plenty of fun in the sun activities to get into during the summer months.

One annual event that occurs in Chicago is the Taste of Chicago. From June 29^th until July 8^th, this food fest is among the most popular places to go. Food vendors from all over the city have their booths set up in Chicago's Grant Park so that the residents can come and sample foods and have some good family fun. In addition to the hundreds of restaurants being represented at this event, there are rides for the children and various performances and shows taking place at different times throughout the event. This is a great place to visit on the 4^th of July because you won't have to cook a thing and the whole family will be entertained.

From alligator and frog legs to goat biryani and alcapurria to tacos, burritos, chicken, ice cream, cheesecake, pizza, potato pancakes, and so much more, the Taste of Chicago has something for everyone to...well, taste.

Getting its start as a modest food festival back in 1980, the Taste of Chicago has grown to become the largest food fest in the world. Each year more than 3 million people are attracted to this event which serves more than 300 menu items from over 70 of Chicago's food vendors and restaurants. Right in the heart of the downtown area, the Taste also features music acts from artists such as John Mayer, Kenny Rogers, India Arie, the Black Crowes, and other musical guests. Each year different music artists may be set to play at the Taste with something to suit just about everyone's musical taste.

From 11:00am until 9:00pm, there is much to do at this festival. The night for the spectacular fireworks show is July 3^rd, one day off of the big day but it's still a great sight to see. On this day, the Taste stays open an hour later to show off its display of more than 5,000 aerial devices and shells. This fireworks show attracts more than one million people annually so you want to give yourself plenty of time to get there. If you're in the mood for more fireworks on the 4^th of July, head on down to Navy Pier which is one of Chicago's most popular tourist attractions. Throughout the summer, Navy Pier has firework displays each Wednesday and Saturday nights. The 4^th of July fireworks display is among the city's favorites.

In a city as big as Chicago, there are many things you can decide to do to celebrate the 4^th of July. If the big crowds aren't right for you, having a backyard barbeque or a cookout in the park are also excellent ways to celebrate. Regardless of how you decide to celebrate, this is a day of fun for the entire family.