Decatur Park District offers full day of Fourth of July fun

DECATUR, Ill. (WAND) — From free carousel rides and ice cream giveaways to live music overlooking Lake Decatur and a fireworks display to cap off the night, the Decatur Park District is inviting families to spend the Fourth of July celebrating close to home.

This year's festivities also coincide with the nation's 250th birthday celebration, with several park district facilities offering special giveaways for the first 250 visitors throughout the day. Activities are spread across Scovill Zoo, Over the Top Ice Cream Shop and the Devon Lakeshore Amphitheater, giving families plenty of opportunities to celebrate from morning through the evening.

At Scovill Zoo, guests can enjoy free carousel rides throughout Saturday. The first 250 visitors through the gates will also receive a free snow cone ticket, redeemable either on the Fourth of July or anytime before the end of July.

"We love seeing people on the Fourth of July," said Zoo Director Heather Purdue. "In years past, a lot of the kids have red, white and blue on, so they're all very excited to spend the whole day with family and friends. I know there's a lot of cooking out and then hopefully seeing the fireworks later that evening. So if they can start with the zoo earlier in the day, we love to see them at the zoo."

Families looking to cool off can stop by Over the Top Ice Cream Shop, where special patriotic treats and collectible containers will be available throughout the holiday.

To celebrate America's 250th birthday, the first 250 customers will receive their ice cream in commemorative color-changing bowls or baseball cap containers while supplies last. The shop will also feature holiday-themed specials alongside its regular menu of favorites.

"We love to celebrate every day," said Megan Dickerson, cultural arts manager and manager of Over the Top Ice Cream Shop. "Ice cream is the dessert of celebrations. No matter what the occasion, we're ready to celebrate, but we are so excited to be celebrating the 250th birthday of the United States."

Dickerson said the park district strives to make every visit welcoming for families, offering traditional favorites along with dairy-free and gluten-free options.

"We get paid to play," Dickerson said. "Here at the park district, we just love to celebrate. Whether you're celebrating swimming lessons or the end of a baseball season or whatever the case may be, we are here and we want to serve you with a smile."

The holiday celebration continues at the Devon Lakeshore Amphitheater, where gates open at 5 p.m. before live music begins at 6 p.m.

Peoria-based band Revel in Red will perform and then lead the National Anthem into Decatur's fireworks display over Lake Decatur. To mark the nation's semiquincentennial, the first 250 guests entering the amphitheater will receive a commemorative Devon koozie, while every ticket in the venue will cost just $4.

General Manager Dustin Bradshaw said the amphitheater has become a place where families can gather and enjoy a classic summer evening together.

"We try to make it feel like it's somebody's backyard during the summer," Bradshaw said. "It's just friends hanging out on the lake, having a drink. It's just a good time. It's a vibe."

Bradshaw said the annual Fourth of July event has become one of the venue's favorite traditions because it combines music, food and fireworks in one location.

"There are families that want something to do as a family, and we try to provide that," Bradshaw said. "Growing up, my family used to always have those cookouts and picnics, and this is kind of that same atmosphere, but with some live music."

According to the Decatur Park District, the Independence Day celebration will offer activities throughout the day before ending with one of the area's largest fireworks displays over Lake Decatur. Officials encourage families to arrive early at participating locations, as giveaway items are available only while supplies last.