I hope you all have a wonderful holiday. Weather seems to be cooperating and cooling down a tad. Missed the Cardboat Boat Regatta, again! Nice weather at least for the people that went into the lake.

Don't blow off any fingers!

Can anyone explain the etiquette for placing tarps down at Lake Ellyn tomorrow morning? I've heard some war stories and I'd like to avoid any unnecessary b.s. Do they open the park at a certain time? I have never done the save-your-seat thing at the lake, but from what I gather it will resemble the news clips of the brides-to-be storming Filene's Basement at the annual bridal dress sale.

Hi Isaac-it really isn't that bad. I haven't done it in a few years, but I seem to recall that 6am was the time you could put the tarp down. If you are serious about a good spot, get there about 5:45 and stand in the general area. There will be plenty of other people, but it is far from a mob scene (it is just that there are really only a few prime areas to watch the fireworks, most others have some type of drawback...either trees in the way, on a steep hill, etc). You cannot use stakes or anything that sticks into the grass to secure the tarp. Many folks bring bags of sand or water bottles. I never had anyone move my tarp. Hope this helps.

Thanks, hg. I'm going to give it a shot, although I should probably have my head examined. I appreciate the advice.

Always thought they should move the display to Ackerman, plenty of great site lines and parking.

I like to dvr A Capitol Fourth (WTTW at 7PM) and Boston Pops Fireworks Spectacular (CBS at 9PM). It is fun to watch these programs during one of our huge snowstorms.

Have a happy and safe 4th!

Yossarian-Didn't they try doing the fireworks at COD about 15-20 years ago? I think the "change" didn't go over well (go figure)! For the record, I do agree that it would probably be easier for people at a more open venue.

-hg

Wouldn't know, but I could see where doing it at COD would be a big issue, especially these days. It's a big change in location. Moving to Ackerman, were not even talking a mile from Lake Ellyn.

It's not the distance that everyone pushed back about.

It's losing the picturesque, small town location of the lake, with the school in the background...

How'd it work for you Isaac?

I can tell you from marching in the parade the last 5 years now, most people are even polite enough to not step on your blanket/tarp when passing through an area already scouted out.

While it is crowded, I think most GEites are adult enough to do things like this politely and share our common areas relatively well. At least compared to what I've seen in other towns, that is. Hope you didn't forget the bug spray, though!

I spent the evening in Batavia, watching the fireworks from my BFs front lawn. My kids go to their grandparents' house in Bensenville, they can see 4 different towns' fireworks from there. In previous years we've gone to Lake Ellyn, Glendale Heights, Itasca, Bloomingdale, and Elgin. Other than a small few minor disappointments, most have been pretty good.