Hyde Park’s summer tradition – the 4th on 53rd Parade and Festival – is back on Thursday, July 4, 2023, kicking off at 11 a.m. from the Hyde Park Bank parking lot.
First organized by a group of Hyde Park residents and business owners in 1992; the event has grown to become the city’s largest July 4th parade with approximately 5,000 participants and attendees; including many state, county, and city elected officials.
The parade begins promptly at 11 a.m. with the sound of a fire truck’s siren. 4th on 53rd has been called the parade where “everyone marches,” as much of the community is involved. It features floats sponsored by local businesses, over 75 community groups, two marching bands, and a “bike brigade” – with over 100 kids and families decorating bikes, strollers, and wagons that set off down the 1.3-mile parade route.
SIGN UP TO VOLUNTEER, MARCH & DONATE
The parade and festival need volunteers for various tasks, so please consider signing up here. Families, groups, businesses, and organizations are all invited to march, and may register here. Donations of any amount are much appreciated, whether you would like to make a personal donation or contribute with a corporate sponsorship.
FESTIVAL
After the parade, everyone is invited to participate in free activities at Nichols Park. Kids enjoy old-fashioned lawn games (with prizes for all!), two free bounce houses, a petting zoo, and a magician. The community stage showcases local youth group music and dance performances, cheerleading, and martial arts demonstrations.
SPONSORS/PARTNERS
Sponsors for the 4th on 53rd Parade, Festival, and Concert Series at the $5k-$10k level include Downtown Hyde Park/SSA #61 ($1ok) and Xfinity ($5k).
Sponsors at the $2,500-$3,000 level include the Harper Court Arts Council, the Hyde Park-Kenwood Community Conference (HPKCC), and SOPHY Hyde Park.
Sponsors at the $1,250-1,500 level include Hyatt Place, Hyde Park Bank, Kimbark Plaza Merchants Association, Toni Preckwinkle (President of the Cook County Board of Commissioner), Small Cheval, and the University of Chicago Commercial Real Estate Operations (CREO).
Sponsors at the $500-$1,000 level include Forest Preserves of Cook County, Hyde Park-Kenwood AYSO Soccer, Marian Realty, Montgomery Place, State Senator Robert Peters, and the University of Chicago Office of Civic Engagement.
Sponsors at the $200-$250 level include Dementia Friendly Hyde Park, First Aid Comics, Kaufman Dentistry, and Van Bistrow.
Our $100 sponsors include State Representative Kam Buckner and Chicago Hyde Park Village.
In-kind sponsors include Capital One, Hyde Park Produce Market, Jet’s Pizza, NASCAR Chicago Street Race, and Trader Joe’s.
Partners include the Chicago Park District, the Hyde Park Chamber of Commerce, the Hyde Park Neighborhood Club, the South East Chicago Commission, the University of Chicago Commercial Real Estate Operations (CREO), and the University of Chicago Office of Civic Engagement.
Elected officials include Governor J.B. Pritzker, Mayor Brandon Johnson, State Senator Robert Peters, State Representative Kam Buckner, State Representative Kim du Buclet, State Representative Robin Kelly, and Cook County Board President Toni Preckwinkle.
For more information on all the 4th on 53rd events, please visit the website and follow on Instagram and Facebook.