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Hi folks - I have been contemplating attending the cardboard boat regatta. It seems like a fun thing to see. The only problem is that I'm getting old and cranky when it comes to crowds. What time would I have to realistically get there to see anything? And will it be terribly crowded?
Also, I saw a reminder in the GE newsletter that blankets aren't allowed on the shores of Lake Ellyn earlier than 6:00AM on the 4th for fireworks. 6AM!? Really? Do people really stake their spots that early?
"cardboard boat regatta...see anything?" If you avoid the dock area you can see the races from anywhere around the lake. The crowd swells around the boathouse.
"Also, I saw a reminder in the GE newsletter that blankets aren't allowed on the shores of Lake Ellyn earlier than 6:00AM on the 4th for fireworks. 6AM!? Really? Do people really stake their spots that early?"
Our short-sighted 4th of July committee continues to insist on holding the fireworks display at Lake Ellyn even though Newton or Ackerman would serve the community much, much better. As for the 6am rule - you'll definitely find blankets out but it may not be there when you return. After having our blankets stolen TWICE we no longer attend the fireworks in Glen Ellyn. Blankets tossed aside, to congested and way to many trees and obstructed views to see the fireworks.
In past years, the rules regarding blanket placement - and the enforcement of those rules, has varied widely. Yes, folks put out blankets at - or before - 6, with varying results. Some years the pre-6 blankets are removed by the village, other years folks who wait until 6 will see the prime spots taken.
In any year, in the evening you will assured of seeing many people who have staked out WAY more space than they need.
Well, speaking from experience - for about the last 6 years or so my son and husband have made it a ritual to get up before 6 AM on the 4th, stake our claim at the lake with blankets, then along the parade route with chairs, and then go have a manly breakfast together. So far, we've never had anyone steal or displace either the blankets or the chairs.
Our short-sighted 4th of July committee continues to insist on holding the fireworks display at Lake Ellyn even though Newton or Ackerman would serve the community much, much better
When we first moved to GE, the fireworks were at COD. We thought this was great, as there is a vast sea of parking there. Little did we know that this was a one-year-only thing as Lake Ellyn was being drained for maintenance. Have never been to fireworks at LE.
I have never had a problem watching the fireworks at Lake Ellyn. When the boys were little, we could watch them from the front porch. Now...we wander to the parking lot with lawn chairs. I get bored of them after about 4 minutes...so this allows me he opportunity to go back and forth to the house to avoid further exposure to my guests.
This will be my 13th 4th of July in G.E....and I have never been to the lake during the fireworks.
Parking problems? Nonsense. If you can't find a place to park within 4 or 8 blocks...and actually walk to the park...you just aren't trying. Even if you have to park as "far away" as Forest and Hillside...it's about a 7-9 minute walk to Lake Ellyn. Most of us, including me, could use the exercise.
Posts: 9128 | Location: CLEA | Registered: November 04, 2004
Parking problems? Nonsense. If you can't find a place to park within 4 or 8 blocks...and actually walk to the park...you just aren't trying. Even if you have to park as "far away" as Forest and Hillside...it's about a 7-9 minute walk to Lake Ellyn. Most of us, including me, could use the exercise.
I see a Seinfeld inspired money making opportunity here, while helping the homeless with temporary employment. Rickshaws. A golden opportunity on the most patriotic day of the year.
...always walked to the fireworks as well. We've also tried the "save a spot blanket" only to find it moved. Of course, everyone around denies moving it. The trees block most of the skyline, so if you're not in one of the front rows you view is greatly obstructed. It's time to move it to Newton. Everyone can still walk. Plenty of room to spread out and enjoy the nighttime sky filled with fireworks. Keeping the fireworks at Lake Ellyn is another tradition the "old guard" clings to in Glen Ellyn.
Posts: 27 | Location: Glen Ellyn, IL | Registered: April 11, 2005
Our short-sighted 4th of July committee continues to insist on holding the fireworks display at Lake Ellyn even though Newton or Ackerman would serve the community much, much better.
How so? Let's assume that parking is inadequate at all three locations. Ackerman might have the most but it has only two entrances and I'm not sure where overflow parking would go (you'd have to cross St. Charles, most likely). At Newton or the Lake, overflow would be / is onto Village streets.
The Lake is the most central on the map, with close access to the Prairie Path. Bike is my typical mode of transport to the fireworks.
I'm just not sure I see a significant benefit to Newton to Ackerman, thus, I don't think labeling the committee as short-sighted is called for. Or at least, you could lump me in with them.
Posts: 1957 | Location: Posh YMCA District | Registered: June 04, 2003
Originally posted by Clamato: Where would us Northsiders park if it is moved to Newton??? What a ridiculous thought!!
Clam, I'm certain there would be some sort of holding area (Baker Hill?) for the limousines and high-end German autos that would stream into the hood. No worries on mixing with the unwashed.
Would a special Northside VIP section alleviate your concern?
"I like things that are great. Good things are fantastic."
"How so?" Parking is inadequate at every location. I'd rule out Ackerman (and C.O.D.) because it would force more people to drive. Both Newton and Lake Ellyn are equal as far as neighborhood congestion.
I disagree as far as the central location. Sadly most of Glen Ellyn dismisses anything south of Roosevelt. Newton is more in the center of ALL of Glen Ellyn. Combine that with an enormous viewing area, Newton should be the obvious choice.
Originally posted by Titus: "How so?" Parking is inadequate at every location. I'd rule out Ackerman (and C.O.D.) because it would force more people to drive. Both Newton and Lake Ellyn are equal as far as neighborhood congestion.
I disagree as far as the central location. Sadly most of Glen Ellyn dismisses anything south of Roosevelt. Newton is more in the center of ALL of Glen Ellyn. Combine that with an enormous viewing area, Newton should be the obvious choice.
I'm certain the 150 year-old people living across the street would not like that location. Absolutely no parking....anywhere.
Those north of the tracks are too lazy to walk...anywhere. Including downtown to buy donuts/doughnuts at the Flour Barrel. The hearty stock south of the tracks are better suited to navigate the streets of G.E. in order to get to their destination. Keep them at the lake. It will bring more people to the downtown area and promote local businesses.
Posts: 9128 | Location: CLEA | Registered: November 04, 2004
In all the years mom and dad have lived just blocks away from Lake Ellyn, we NEVER went to the fireworks. First off, as mentioned earlier, with all the trees, you can't see anything form most of the viewing area. And second... way too big of a crowd nightmare, and walking back in the dark with everyone jockying for position in their cars sounds like a pedeatrian hit waiting to happen.
The dumbest thing I always found the day of or after... who is the Rhodes Scholar who thinks that during this HUGE family event, that the playground should be off limits? Do they still do that?
I complain about a lot of things about this town, but the 4th isn't one of them. It's probably our favorite time of the year here. We love the parade - although we've missed the flyover the last couple of years, and wonder why so many of the marching bands are from Canada, as opposed to, say, Glen Ellyn, and we fiercely flaunt our Democratic affiliation by booing at all the Republican office holders and seekers - and the fireworks, and the mosquitoes, and the view-obstructing trees, and the mass exodus walking underneath the Taylor Street overpass at the end, and everything. In my opinion, the 4th is the most charming part of living in Glen Ellyn.
