Deerfield Family Days 'Will Go On' Following Highland Park Tragedy: Mayor

DEERFIELD, IL — Saying "a lot of thought and consideration" went into the decision, Deerfield Mayor Daniel C. Shapiro announced Friday the annual Family Days will go on as scheduled for the 4th of July. Following last year's mass shooting in Highland Park, the two-day event was cut short in Deerfield.

"We are aware and sensitive to the tragedy in Highland Park last year and understand that people are still grieving," Shapiro said in a message to residents. "We have given thought as to what Family Days means for our community and the importance of not only remembering those who were affected, but also those who want to come together for one of our most popular events of the year. Despite the horrific shooting last year in Highland Park, we will go on. We will celebrate yet respect those who were impacted by the senseless killings."

Last year, Deerfield was able to complete the first day of the event on Sunday, but canceled a portion of Monday's festivities.

Here is the current schedule, according to the Village of Deerfield's website:

Monday, July 3 (Shepard Park)

• DJ begins at 5 p.m.
• Food vendors 5 p.m. - 9 p.m.
• Carnival games 5 p.m. - 9 p.m.
• Bounce Rrdes (Free) 5 p.m. - 9 p.m.
• Fireworks (Dusk)

Tuesday, July 4 (Jewett Park)

• Rotary 5K Race - Registration From 7:15 - 7:45 a.m. Race begins 8 a.m. Register HERE
• Breakfast in the Park 8 a.m. - 10:30 a.m.
• Arts & Crafts Show 8am - 3pm
• Bike parade 8:30 a.m. - 9 a.m. (Rosemary Terrace Lot)
• Dog show 8:45 a.m. - 10 a.m. BYOD (Bring Your Own Dog)
• Food vendors 10 a.m. - 3 p.m.
• Sensory friendly play area 10 a.m. - 2 p.m.
• Kids amusement rides and carnival games (wristbands $20) 10 a.m. - 3 p.m.
• Parade at Noon (Due to construction on Waukegan Road, there will be a new parade route)

Shapiro said Village officials have been working closely with the police and public works departments, as well as other agencies, "to ensure that all necessary precautions are taken to make Family Days as safe as possible."

Shapiro called the Family Days Parade, planned for noon on July 4, an opportunity to show Deerfield's solidarity with neighboring towns.

"We will celebrate this year’s Family Days together," Shapiro said.