Batavia's Fourth of July 'Sky Concert' Could Be on the Ropes

Reports: Organizers need to raise $50,000 and have more than $45,000 to go, the Daily Herald reports. Would you be willing to help save the event that has been part of the Independence Day celebration for more than 50 years?

The fireworks display that has been a mainstay for Batavians and neighbor communities for two generations might be ready to fizzle out, according to a Friday report in the Daily Herald. To put on the show, the Batavia ACCESS Committee has to raise $50,000. So far, it has $4,500, Batavia alderman Susan Stark told the Daily Herald. Apparently, the fireworks get a big boost from parking donations, but folks aren't choosing the lots by the high school and Ace Hardware, in part because of the time it takes to get in and out. For safety reasons, no parking will be allowed on Wilson or Main Streets between Van Nortwick Avenue and Randall Road or on Randall Road from Main Street to McKee Street. Parking donations are down, and corporate donations …

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Paulette Delcourt: Mid-Week Holiday Is Not An Inconvenience, It's History

When a colleague talks about Independence Day like its a national day of inconvenience, I look for context.

It was about 4 o’clock on July 3rd when my phone rang. It was my girlfriend calling to make plans. “Hi!” she said, “What time are we leaving for the fireworks?” “Isn’t it Tuesday?” I thought. “Who would put a perfectly good holiday in the middle of the week?” Who? Some colonists passionately suffering from over-taxation and wig-induced heatstroke, that’s who. In 1776, July 4 fell on a Thursday. This year, the mid-week holiday was a justified motivation for people to take a summer vacation. This meant that I was left alone to cover for my boss in a scrum of people who, like me, are too “Type A” to take a break. This included the new guy who “pinged” me in an instant chat message to see if I was working tomorrow (July Fourth). “No, I am not …

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Vegasdog.

3:30 pm on Thursday, July 5, 2012

Thanks for this Paulette. Back in the day on Good Friday some kids had to stay inside all day and conetemplate Jesus dying. That may have been a little extreme but somewhere along the line our holidays (secular or non) have become just another(welcomed) day off of work. Dont be too hard on us though. In the financial business for example, due to 24hr and world-wide trading, Easter and Christmas …   more ›

DUI Checkpoints Planned for July 3-4 in Kane County

Illinois State Police to operate checkpoints over holiday.

Anyone thinking of going out for a pre-July 4 celebration that involves alcohol should watch out—the Illinois State Police will conduct roadside safety checks in Kane County over the holiday. The state police will operate roadside checkpoints starting at 11 p.m. July 3  until 4 a.m. July 4. The checks will be held on an I-90 exit ramp to Route 31, according to a press release from the Illinois State Police. Officers working this detail will be watchful for drivers who are operating vehicles in an unsafe manner, driving with a suspended or revoked driver's license, transporting open alcoholic beverages or driving under the influence. Alcohol and drug impairment are significant factors in over 40 percent of all fatal motor vehicle crashes in…

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Donald Ramsell

12:29 pm on Wednesday, July 4, 2012

Here come the police to help us celebrate our independence from the people who were conducting warrantless searches and seizures 200 years ago. The irony couldn't be more obvious. I would like to thank all the right wing citizens who have supported this police actions based on the claim that it is worthwhile in order to reduce crime. They will hassle 200 to 300 people to find 1 or2 to arrest. …   more ›

What's Up, Doc? Medical and Health Topics of Interest to Geneva

What's Up, Doc: Delnor ER Sees a Sparkler Burn, Overdose Cases and Heat Exhaustion on Fourth of July

As dangerous as some Fourth of July activities can be, Delnor’s Emergency Room did not have to treat many fire-related injuries on Monday.

As of 9 p.m. July 4, Emergency Room Doctor Edwin Schaefer reported relatively few patients with fireworks burns. “The amount of injuries related to the holiday has not been drastically high,” Schaefer said. “Most people are pretty careful.” A young girl was seen in the ER for burns on her chest and arms caused by a sparkler, and she was treated and released. Later, a male teenager was treated because when setting off a firecracker, it exploded, and a PVC pipe was lodged in his arm. ER doctors were able to remove the pipe and the teen will be fine. “No one was drastically hurt,” Schaefer said. “But when big groups get together, that’s when we see the most problems.” Aside from those fire-related injuries, Delnor’s Emergency Room treated …

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5 Things You Should Know

5 Things You Should Know for Monday, July 4—Fireworks in Geneva, Batavia and St. Charles

Celebrate America's birthday with crab legs, miniature golf, and fireworks.

Batavia's "Sky Concert" might be the best fireworks display in the area, with live music and food vendors. You can join in on the fun at Engstrom Park this evening.  And what says "America" more than an all-you-can-eat buffet? Alaskan King Crab Legs! Hang out in Geneva for a great deal on seafood today. Read on for more of our favorite events in the area today.  1. Join the city of Batavia for its annual 4th of July festivities at Engstrom Park in Batavia. The park opens at 5 p.m. with food vendors. The local band Field Day will perform at 7 p.m., and the "Sky Concert" fireworks display will begin at 9:30 p.m. 2. Join the city of St. Charles for its annual fireworks display. There's a concert at 4 p.m. at Pottawatomie Park to start the …

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Patch Picks

Patch Picks: 5 Family Favorite Fourth of July Barbecue Recipes

People all over Geneva will be celebrating the Fourth of July with food this weekend. Patch found five recipes that will be making an appearance on the tables of many family barbecues.

The Fourth of July celebrates America's birthday and the freedoms we have fought to sustain as a country. Americans everywhere will be celebrating this weekend with family, friends and a lot of great food. In honor of the great American BBQ, Patch found five recipes that will be appearing on picnic tables all across Geneva. Tessa Wagner of Geneva shared two of her family's favorite Fourth of July BBQ recipes with Patch. "My mother-in-law, Joan, makes this all the time for family get-togethers. It's so easy, and really refreshing," she said. Directions: 1. Mix all the ingredients except tomatoes in a large bowl to make a salad dressing. 2. Add tomatoes and toss to coat. 3. Refrigerate for at least an hour. ======= "This recipe is my family'…

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