Highland Park's Fourth of July parade returns two years after filming with commemorative ceremony and new route

HIGHLAND PARK, Ill. (WLS) — The Fourth of July parade in Highland Park returns Thursday after events to honor victims of the parade shooting two years ago.

A memorial service will be held at 10 a.m. at Edgewood Middle School.

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The city says the ceremony is already at capacity and those registered to attend are asked to arrive early.

After the ceremony, the Highland Park Fourth of July parade begins at 1 p.m. with a new route through downtown near Laurel Avenue and First Street.

The theme of the community-focused parade is “Sweet Home Highland Park.”

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Residents and businesses are encouraged to show their love for Highland Park.

Meanwhile, the family of Cooper Roberts, now 10, who was injured along with his twin brother in the parade shooting and left paralyzed from the waist down, said their son is persevering.

“I think he's doing as well as you could hope for,” Keely Roberts said. “I'm really impressed with his ability to stay positive, stay happy and stay Cooper. He's very much the same Cooper in terms of his personality, his outlook on life, his love of everything.”

Investigators say a gunman opened fire from a rooftop during the 2022 Fourth of July parade in Highland Park, killing seven people and injuring dozens more.

Robert Crimo III is accused of participating in the mass shooting. His trial is scheduled for February 2025.

The city says security measures are in place ahead of the commemoration ceremony.

Guests are required to go through metal detectors and have their bags checked.