Join us July 4th (rain date July 5th) for Freedom Fest at Lake of the Woods Forest Preserve in Mahomet, Illinois. Food concessions and some family activities start at 3:00 p.m.; Music in Motion begins at 3 p.m.; and at 9 p.m., after a tribute to our service men and women, we Light Up The Lake with a spectacular fireworks display set to music. Admission is $2 per person, with children 5 and under free. Military persons with ID get in free. Expenses continue to increase, so additional contributions will be greatly appreciated.
In the event of rain, Freedom Fest will be rescheduled for July 5th. Unless we announce on this website or on our recorded message at 586-3360 that the event is canceled, it is still on.
The recommended viewing area for fireworks is next to Lake of the Woods Pavilion, near the Little Golden Gate Bridge. A number of people also sit on the peninsula on the other side of the Little Golden Gate Bridge. It is possible that the music will not be heard as easily on that side, although we do try, and the ground displays are not always visible from that area.
From 7 to 9:30 p.m., the main gate will be one-way for entering traffic only. If you want to exit during that time, you will need to leave the park via the Route 47 gate.
After the show, cars may exit from the main gate, peninsula gate or Route 47 gate. Please be patient. We will do our best to get you out of the preserve after the show in a timely, but safe manner. After the show, when exiting the main gate, cars in the right lane must turn right; cars in left lane must turn left and follow signs to Prairieview Road.
Please observe the blocked off areas near the firing line. We cannot shoot fireworks if anyone unauthorized is in the fallout area. This is a safety factor and a legal requirement and must be followed.
Over 4,500 people come out each year to enjoy the fireworks at Lake of the Woods Forest Preserve. This year’s event will include music from Music in Motion, kid’s games, food vendors, and other activities prior to the fireworks show around 9pm.
We have several levels of sponsorship packages that include numerous benefits, that can help get your company’s name out to this crowd. Our packages range from the $25 “Sparkler” level to the $700 “Grand Finale” level. There is a level for any who would like to help us celebrate our freedom. For further details on the levels and how to submit your sponsorship donation, please see our sponsorship form.
Lake of the Woods Forest Preserve is located in Mahomet, Illinois, 10 miles west of Champaign-Urbana on I-74, exit 174 or 172. The physical address is 109 S. Lake of the Woods Road, Mahomet, Illinois.
For safety reasons, personal fireworks (including sparklers) and alcoholic beverages are not allowed. All boats (other than CCFPD rental boats) must be off the lake by 6 p.m.
If you’re interested in being a sponsor of this year’s event please fill out a sponsorship form and return to Lisa Sprinkle. Contact Lisa Sprinkle at lsprinkle@ccfpd.org or 217-586-3360 for more information.
If you’re interested in being a food vendor at this year’s event, please contact Lisa Sprinkle at lsprinkle@ccfpd.org or 217-586-3360.
Volunteer at this year's event, see volunteer opportunities here. You can also send an email to volunteer@ccfpd.org.
GRAND FINALE SPONSORS P & P Heating and Cooling Village of Mahomet SJ Broadcasting
CRACKLIN DELIGHT SPONSOR Clodfelder Insurance Agency ROMAN CANDLE SPONSORS Fisher National Bank Mahomet American Legion Post 105 First Mid-IL Bank and Trust Busey Bank Taylor Realty USPRO/ United Services First State Bank of Forrest Mahomet Area Chamber Walk Chiropractic Forest Preserve Friends Foundation Mahomet IGA Mahomet Ace Hardware Galen L. Dale, DDS Filippos Pizza Mahomet Rotary Club Candlewood Estates Dig It of Champaign Mosquito Squad Berns, Clancy and Associates First State Bank of Forrest
BOTTLE ROCKET SPONSORS KES Properties Dr. David Noh DMD Mahomet Insurance Centre Mahomet Small Engine Hen House
SPARKLERS ATSI, Inc.