The community is invited to kick off the Fourth of July weekend in Urbana with an evening of food, music, family fun and fireworks as part of the city’s America 250 celebration.
Champaign County Sheriff Chad Burroughs continues to preach safety and responsibility during celebrations. He adds only call 911 if absolutely necessary, and he and his team are honored to serve the community.
Festivities begin Friday, July 3, at Grimes Field, where all of the day’s events will take place. Activities run from 5 to 10 p.m. and include the America 250 Community Picnic featuring food trucks, local vendors, family activities, live music from a band and DJ entertainment throughout the evening.
The Urbana Rotary Club will also celebrate the 60th anniversary of its annual Chicken Dinner, which will be held from 3 to 6:30 p.m. inside the hangar at Grimes Field. Organizers plan to serve approximately 900 half chickens, with each dinner including half a chicken, applesauce, chips, a dinner roll, and butter. Advance tickets are available at In Good Taste Market and The People’s Savings Bank in Urbana.
After the chicken dinner concludes, the Rotary Club will continue serving concessions, including hot dogs, brats, and other food items, giving attendees additional dining options throughout the evening alongside the food trucks.
The night will conclude with a fireworks display beginning at dusk, around 10 p.m. The show is expected to last approximately 20 to 30 minutes. Organizers increased this year’s fireworks budget from $10,000 last year to $15,000, allowing for a larger display as part of Urbana’s America 250 celebration.
Urbana Rotary Club President Karen Bailey briefly discusses how exciting it is for the Rotary Club to be involved in this year’s celebration.
The celebration continues on Saturday, July 4, with the Champaign Cruisers Firecracker Car, Truck & Bike Show from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Skelley Lumber.
Organizers say this year’s Independence Day celebration is especially significant as Urbana joins communities across the country in commemorating America 250, the nationwide celebration leading up to the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence in 2026.
Residents are encouraged to bring lawn chairs, gather with family and friends, wear their red, white, and blue, and enjoy a weekend celebrating the nation’s birthday and the local community.
