Jaw-Dropping Fireworks Surprise for Rockford’s 4th of July Celebration

The COVID-19 pandemic knocked everything out of the summer of 2020. The year off from fireworks will soon be forgotten when you see what's planned for 2021.

Ted O'Donnell from Rockford's 4th of July Committee joins The Steve Shannon Show

Just a month into the pandemic, Ted O'Donnell tested positive for the coronavirus. While he lost some good days to some very debilitating symptoms, he'll tell you that not being able to put on the celebration so dear to his family was probably worse.

The late Joe Marino, Rockford's Mr. 4th of July, is Ted's uncle. Making sure we all have the maximum amount of fun on Independence Day is just what his family does.

Get ready for the BIG BANG

On Friday's (6/11/21) Steve Shannon Show, Ted shared all the details for an E X P A N D E D 2021 celebration, that include live music performances all over downtown Rockford, Jeep and motorcycle parades and a fireworks display that will feature something that has never before been done in Rockford.

You can hear the details in the video below.

Here's the full schedule of events from 4thandlights.com so you can plan accordingly;

• 9am        Patriotic Prayer Breakfast, Location - Beattie Park
• 4pm        Davis Park Opens
• 4:40pm   Parade Master of Ceremonies, Freedom Bennett, Parade Grand Stand Stage at Wyman & State St
• 4:40pm   Motorcycle Parade Begins
• 5pm        Characters 2 Life (entertainment) presents Wonder Woman, Captain America, Face Painters, Children Lawn Games & more (Davis Park)
• 5pm        Patriotic Parade Begins
• 5:30pm   Swingbilly RFD (live entertainment), Block 5 Greenspace (across from City Hall)
• 6pm        Rollin' Whiskey (live entertainment), Ingersoll Centennial Park
• 6pm        Blind Date (live entertainment), Davis Park
• 6:15pm   The Real Deal (live entertainment), Parade Grand Stand Stage at Wyman & State St
• 6:30pm   Mr. Ed (live entertainment), Joe Marino Statue
• 9:15pm   Davis Park Entrance Closes
• 9:30pm   Fireworks begin  over Downtown Rockford, the show will also be broadcasted LIVE on TV with WTVO17 & Fox39
• 10pm       Fireworks conclude, event ends

Steve Shannon is host of The Steve Shannon Show on 97ZOK. On the air weekday mornings from 6 to 10 a.m. and a special 'Rewind' show, featuring favorite moments from previous shows, on Saturday mornings from 5 to 7 a.m.. Follow him on Twitter, Instagram, and like his page on Facebook.