Nothing says “summer” like the Fourth of July. This year, Elmhurst is participating in a four-day fest with our neighbors to the north, as well as the traditional 4-mile 4 on the 4th Run sponsored by Community Bank of Elmhurst.

Elmhurst, as has become a tradition, is partnering with the Village of Bensenville to host Libertyfest July 1-4 at Redmond Park, 735 E. Jefferson St. in Bensenville. The event will feature carnival rides and games, tons of food vendors, pony rides, magic shows, bands every night and two nights of fireworks.

A free shuttle service will operate Saturday, July 2, through Monday, July 4, from 2 to 8 p.m. approximately every 30 minutes.

Here’s the event schedule:

Friday, July 1

• 5 to 11 p.m. — Carnival
• 8 to 10 p.m. — R-Gang

Saturday, July 2

• 2 to 11 p.m. — Carnival
• 2 to 4 p.m. — Soul Patch Monkey
• 5 to 7 p.m. — Sambatico
• 8 to 10 p.m. — Heartache Tonight

Sunday, July 3

• 2 to 11 p.m. — Carnival
• 2 p.m. — Independence Parade on York Road
• 3 to 4:30 p.m. — Children's magic shows
• 3:30 to 4:30 p.m. — Duck races on Lake Redmond
• 4:30 to 6:30 p.m. — The Meteors
• 7:30 to 9:30 p.m. — Chicago Catz
• 9:30 to 10 p.m. — Fireworks spectacular

Monday, July 4

• 2 to 10 p.m. — Carnival
• 4:30 to 6:30 p.m. — He Said She Said
• 7:30 to 9:30 p.m. — 7th Heaven
• 9:30 to 10 p.m. — Fireworks spectacular

But before heading out for that final day of fun at the fest, why not challenge yourself with a 4-mile run?

Elmhurst Running Club and Community Bank of Elmhurst are presenting the seventh annual 4 on the 4th Run at 7:15 a.m. July 4. The course starts and finishes at Prospect Avenue near Church Street. 

A 1-K Kids' Run will begin at 8:20 a.m. Sponsored by the Elmhurst Park District, medals will be presented to winners in the boys and girls categories.

Advance registration is $25, $10 for the kids' race. Those wishing to register the day of the race will pay $30. CARA or Elmhurst Running Club members will get a $5 discount for registering in advance. Checks or cash only will be accepted for walk-in registration.

Pick up a packet on July 1 or 2 at The Runner's Soul, 124 N. York St., or on July 3 or 4 at Elmhurst College, 190 S. Prospect Ave. The 4-mile is limited to 1,000 runners. Results will be posted the following day at www.cararuns.org.

Proceeds from the 4 on the 4th Run will benefit Elmhurst Children's Assistance Foundation.

OTHER FESTS NEARBY

Taste of Lombard, sponsored by the Lombard Jaycees, features food, fireworks and tons of bands at Madison Meadow Park, East Madison Street and South Lewis Avenue. Slaughter will headline at 9 p.m. on July 3. The fest begins Thursday, June 30, and runs through Monday, July 4.

Taste of Oak Brook will open at 2 p.m. Sunday, July 3, at the polo fields, 31st Street and York Road. The event will feature live bands, food, children's activities and fireworks to end the day.

Eyes to the Skies Festival is already under way and runs through July 3, featuring bands, a parade, fireworks and a carnival.