This Independence Day, Hopkins Park will continue its tradition with its annual Fourth of July Celebration.

According to the DeKalb Park District website, festivities will begin at 2 p.m. Friday at the park, located at 1403 Sycamore Road, as vendors open their booths to the public.

Fireworks will begin around dusk, the website stated. This year, the fireworks are co-sponsored by the DeKalb Park District and the City of DeKalb.

The DeKalb Municpal Band will perform before and during the fireworks display, the website stated.

“The Municipal Band is a local tradition from over 150 years,” said Lisa Smalls, assistant director of the DeKalb Park District. “They have done Fourth of July concerts for many years. Their performance is usually like a pop concert. They play marching tunes, classical music and show tunes.”

Grills will be available for those who want to cook out and local caterers will also offer food. All of the vendors for the event will be on sight in the early afternoon starting at about 2 p.m.

According to The DeKalb Park District website, everyone is welcome to bring chairs, blankets and games for a day out in the park.

DeKalb Mayor Kris Povlsen will not be in attendance at this year’s fireworks; however, he said he enjoyed the family-friendly event in years past.

“I will be in Wisconsin this year for the Fourth of July, but I usually watch the fireworks. This is really a great event. I remember attending this in the 50s. It is definitely a tremendous event. You get to see the band, kids having fun and the fireworks. It is just a great event,” Povlsen said.

For more information on the event in Hopkins Park, visit the DeKalb Park District website at www.dekalbparkdistrict.com.