Lake Bluff residents heading to the Fourth of July parade on Saturday, July 4 will face tighter parking than usual, thanks to the ongoing Green Bay Road reconstruction that has reduced nearby street parking.

The Village of Lake Bluff is urging spectators to take Metra, bike, or carpool. Two train options are available: park at the Lake Forest Metra Station and catch the 9:35 a.m. outbound train to Lake Bluff, or park at the Great Lakes Metra Station and catch the 9:37 a.m. inbound train. Those who drive can park at the elementary school at Green Bay Road and W. Washington Avenue and walk in.

"Parking is extremely limited this year, especially with nearby construction," the Village said in its official guidance. "There is no event parking in the neighborhoods off Green Bay Road south of IL-176."

The parade start time had not been posted as of Sunday, June 29. Road closures begin at 8:30 a.m. Saturday, July 4, including the W. Scranton cutoff. Eastbound IL-176 traffic will be detoured to Sheridan Road starting at 8:30 a.m. No-parking signs go up Friday morning along the parade route, and enforcement begins at 8:00 a.m. Saturday. Vehicles left on the route may be towed. Police will knock on doors along the route starting around 6:00 a.m. Saturday to alert residents about parked cars. The Village recommends moving vehicles off the route Thursday night, July 3. A police drone will be overhead during the event to assist with public safety.

Accessible parking is available at Walnut & North Avenue and the Metra Train Depot. The Oak lot, previously used for accessible parking, is no longer available. Pedestrians crossing Sheridan Road from the west side should use the supervised crossing at E. Scranton Avenue near the Metra station.

Village Administrator R. Drew Irvin told the Village Board at its May 27 meeting that construction crews will not work during the holiday, but established detours and traffic patterns will remain in place to avoid confusion. Green Bay Road reconstruction runs through approximately November 2026.

The parade is organized by the Lake Bluff 4th of July Committee, an all-volunteer nonprofit. This year's celebration is part of the America 250 Semiquincentennial. One more ask from the Village: don't set up chairs or reserve viewing spots along the route before Saturday morning.