Chicago may have been named the best place to see fireworks in the United States but on this Fourth of July, those dazzling lights will not be painting the skies over the Windy City.
For as long as most Chicago residents can remember, more than a million people would line up along Lake Shore Drive every July 4th to take in the city's world-class fireworks display. But that was then and this is now.
City officials confirmed to WMAQ there will be no fireworks within city limits on Independence Day this year.
In fact, the city traditionally doesn't hold displays on the holiday itself.
"Historically the City has not presented fireworks on July 4," a city spokesperson told WMAQ. "They have been held on July 3 due to the fact that many of the suburbs have July 4 fireworks."
This year, Navy Pier will celebrate Independence Day on Wednesday, July 3. Featuring 10,000-plus pyrotechnic effects, the fireworks show will be accompanied by rousing renditions of patriotic music, officials said.
A fireworks display is also presented at Navy Pier every Wednesday and Saturday through Labor Day.
Navy Pier was voted winner of USA TODAY 10Best Readers' Choice Travel Awards for Best Place to See Fireworks for 2023 and 2024. Dozens of nominees in the category were chosen by a panel of local travel experts from across the country, along with editors from USA TODAY and 10Best.com. The final winner was selected by public votes.
"Fireworks at Navy Pier is a Chicago tradition, and it is no surprise they were named the best fireworks in the United States," Lynn Osmond, former president and CEO of Choose Chicago, said in a statement.