Cost: $10 (Adult), $2 (Ages 5-12), free under age 5.

What to expect: Hot air balloon launches, nationally known music, a carnival and fireworks at the biggest suburban summer celebration.

Why to go: Hot air balloon launches!

Additional info: Carnival admission is free from the festival if you enter through Yackley Gate. Fireworks will begin at approximately 9:45 p.m. every day. The July 4 display is a spectacular extravaganza synchronized to match the playing of patriotic music broadcast on loud speakers throughout the festival grounds. Parking for the festival is free and there are spaces for more than 3,000 automobiles. Free shuttle buses take you to the festival entrance at Community Park.

Centerstage Reviewer: Ben Rubenstein