Fourth of July Fireworks Display in Rockford Illinois

I am a native of Rockford, and still live nearby in a smaller town, and I have never missed the fireworks display on the 4th of July. I remember in my younger years, the display was good, but spectacular is the way I would describe it now. For those of us that live in the Rockford area, for the most part, we don't really realize what we have here, and for those that don't, they figure that po-dunk Rockford couldn't possibly have anything good going on on the 4th, and that the fireworks may be low rate.

I remember being dazzled with riverfront views of those fireworks when star wars was so popular, when the music that accompanied the fireworks at one point was the Star Wars theme, and little rocketships were popping across the sky with intricate patterns....all carefully coordinated to the music. "Born in the USA" and other patriotic tunes are often played during the fireworks, and they are choreographed to the music...it's all just amazing! Pyrotechnology at it's very best is displayed in Rockford's sky.

The best place to see the fireworks, celebrate and get a bite to eat or something to drink is Davis Park in downtown Rockford. There is a 6.00 admission fee, but the fireworks are very up close and personal here...in fact a few mortar shells might land closeby! Bring a pillow, because as close as these are, you may injure your neck looking up, and wish to lay down in the grass to watch the show! Just a suggestion, as I have had to do this and really wished I had a pillow!

If you really don't want to pay the fee for admission to the park, the fireworks are still very visible, however not close, anywhere along the riverbank of the Rock River. The east side of the river is accessed off Hwy 251, which gets very slow moving and hard to travel the later it becomes. The west side is more accessable, and you can of course park 10 blocks from the west bank of the Rock River and walk to the show, and walk to Davis park. Beattie park in Downtown Rockford is also a great place to enjoy the fireworks and picnic before the show. This makes it much easier to navigate home after the show, as you won't be fighting traffic heading towards Hwy 251. You can get to the west side of the river off Riverside Blvd from I-90, and head west to Rockton Av...then turn left and head south. You will know you are downtown when you arrive, passing Jefferson St. Parking lots are available, as well as street parking, but do remember to take valuables with you, and lock your car.

If you would like to watch from the East bank of the river, there are bridges you can walk to and cross, and it will give you a very spectacular view. It is very pretty to see them from the riverbank this way, and you will also be along one of the nicest recreational paths in the state! Sinissippi gardens are also located on the east bank of the river to the north.

The theme of the fireworks this year is "from groud zero to 1400 feet", and you won't be disappointed! I haven't been disappointed with the fireworks or the music since the inception of this idea of music with fireworks began, and it has only improved from year to year, leaving those watching with oohhs and aaahhs and gaping mouths.

The fireworks start at 9:30 pm, and Davis park will open the gates at 6:00 pm for entrance. I suggest arriving early and bringing a picnic basket full of goodies, and perhaps a frisbee. When the fireworks start, tune your radio to B-103 FM, so you can hear the music that accompanies the fireworks. This is essential to make sure you get the full effect! In years past, the music re-played after the show as well, so you could listen as you navigate home, however I am not sure if this is in the plans this year.

When it's all over, enjoy the walk back to your car, and don't be in any hurry to get there, as the traffic can overwhelm you. Drive slowly, safely and sober on the way home. I hope you all enjoy the show! See you there!