Highland Park reveals plans for this year's 4th of July
HIGHLAND PARK, Ill. (CBS) – Following the tragic event of last year's High Park parade shooting, many are wondering what Highland Park will do on the Fourth of July this year.
There will not be a parade. But there will be events to commemorate and memorialize those whose lives were taken.
The planning process started months ago - and City Manager Ghida Neukirch said they've taken a trauma-informed approach.
Even when summer feels far away, thoughts of July are filling Neukirch's mind.
"I think about it every day, and everything that we went through individually - as well as collectively as a community," she said.
Neukirch thinks about the heroes in Highland Park on July 4, 2022.
"A lot of brave, selfless acts in the midst of horrific tragedy," she said.
She thinks about the seven lives lost in the shooting.
"Just reflecting on the past and also looking to the future," Neukirch said.
The future of the 4th of July Parade is on her mind too.
"It's a beloved tradition in Highland Park, but this year is really an extraordinary, different year," Neukirch said.
The City of Highland Park released plans for July 4th, 2023.
"Communication with victims and survivors has really been a very critical element to everything that we're doing moving forward," Neukirch said.
The day will begin at 10 a.m. with a remembrance ceremony at City Hall in honor of the parade shooting victims.
Following that will be a moment of silence at 10:14 a.m. - the moment the first shots were fired.
"We have put together what we hope is being received as a very thoughtful, comprehensive plan - and giving people an opportunity to opt into different activities and initiatives where they feel comfortable," Neukirch said.
In place of floats and cars, people are invited to walk together. At 11 a.m., a community walk will follow the parade route.
"We are walking that same route, and we could be hand in hand with each other or be part of that community walk all together," Neukirch said.
Plans also call for a community picnic at Sunset Woods Park at 11:30 a.m., and an evening drone show instead of fireworks – in part because of noise concerns.
"We are working diligently just to be sensitive to the feelings and the triggers that people will definitely have on that day, as well as leading up to that day," Neukirch said. "We will have therapy services on site for people that need that as well."
While this is all months away, it is always on the minds and in the hearts of Highland Park.
"I hope people leave finding that peace," Neukirch said.
Highland Park has gotten lots of questions about security for this year's events. The city won't talk specifics, Neukirch said Highland Park Police will be working with other local law enforcement agencies to ensure a safe event.
Plans for a permanent memorial to honor the lives lost are also still in the works.
