MWR Great Lakes 4th of July Info

How Much Does it Cost to Get In?
Free Admission, Free Parking, Free live music, free roving entertainment.

What can we bring on base? What does ‘No Carry- Ins’ Mean?
No Fireworks, weapons, grills or coolers. No backpacks. No outside food and drink are permitted unless you have dietary restrictions or small children and then food can be brought in, only in appropriate amounts.
Blankets, lawn chairs, strollers, baby-related items, service animals and cameras (photo or video)
are allowed.

Can I bring my Pet?
Pets are not allowed on the festival grounds. However service animals may be brought on if absolutely necessary.

What gates will be open for the general public and which ones will be for ID card holders?
Gate 1 will open at noon for the general public. This gate will close at 8pm (or sooner if parking is filled.) Participants are encouraged to arrive early. Gate 5 will be open to those individuals with base decals and/or government ID’s all throughout the day.

Will we be searched at the gate?
All general public vehicles are subject to be searched when entering at the Main Gate. All drivers must have a valid driver’s license, vehicle registration and proof of vehicle insurance. All adults in the vehicle should be prepared to show a valid ID card. Participants walking through will not be allowed to bring in back packs.

Will we be able to explore the whole base, or do we have to stay on Ross Field?
General public should remain on the festival grounds and the surrounding activity areas (Ross Theater, Bldg. 4, etc.)

Where do we park?
When you enter the main gate you will be directed by security to an available parking area.
Lots and routes will be marked.

Will there be a shuttle to take us from the parking area or Metra station to the main event area on base?
There will be no shuttle from the parking area.
There will be no shuttle from the Metra station to the main gate.

Is there handicapped access?
Yes, some handicap parking will be available near the field. Those with this need should be prepared to show their decal at the gate upon entering the base. Security personnel will direct you to the appropriate location. Some walking will be required. However, the field is grass with little to no pavement.

How much will concessions cost and what types of food will be available?
Expect the same range and cost of typical festival/fair concessions. Hamburgers, hot dogs, brats, ice cream, tacos, lemonade, root beer floats, pizza, beer, water, soda, funnel cakes, smoothies, etc.

Will the food be safe to eat?
All vendors have provided proof of a current Lake County Food Service Sanitation Certification; additionally they must maintain a sanitary work environment, an approved sanitation wash station and show proper cooking techniques for their product. Finally, there is a Navy Preventative Medicine Representative inspecting all vendors both days of the festival as well as MWR providing refrigeration for all vendor foods before cooking.

Will there be ATM’s on site?
There may not be ATM’s nearby the field. Participants are encouraged to plan ahead.

Are restrooms available?
Port O’ Potty’s and hand washing stations will be dispersed across the festival grounds. ADA restrooms will also be available. There will also be two indoor restrooms near the field.

Are baby changing stations available?
This is a large outdoor venue with plenty of grassy areas. Also, the indoor bathrooms located in Ross Theater (bldg 110) on the festival grounds, does have changing stations in both the men’s and women’s restrooms.

Will there be child care available?
No. Children must be supervised by an adult at all times.

How much do the Kids Activities Cost?
The Kids Zone area is divided into two areas (ages 0-4 years) and (ages 5- teens) This area provides families with kids free activities and crafts. The family entertainment stage and roving/costumed characters are also free.

How do we get there?
If you use GPS or MapQuest, the address to type in would be. 620 Farragut Ave. Great Lakes, 60088. Once you arrive at the main gate, security will direct you to a parking spot. The Main Gate (Gate 1) is located off of Sheridan Road.

I want to be a vendor, is it possible?
Sorry at this point our vendors are already set, but MWR would be happy to hear from you again next spring for the 2010 4th of July Celebration.

I’d like to be a sponsor?
Contact our Sponsorship Coordinator at 847-688-2110 ext 161.

Can I be a Crafter?
Contact our craft fair coordinator (Barb Roth) at 847-688-2171.

How much are the carnival rides?
There is an early bird wrist band special for carnival rides on both the 3rd and 4th from Noon – 3pm. This costs $15/wristband and allows unlimited rides during this time. After 3 pm the costs for the carnival become the normal going rate for carnivals at festivals.

Will the carnival rides be safe?
Yes. All carnivals are required to maintain necessary levels of insurance. The equipment is subject to state inspections, and will receive a local safety inspection upon set up.

When are the different events taking place?
See posted schedule

What happens if it rains?
In case of inclement weather, most events will continue, some with delays.
For weather updates, call 847-688-2110 ext 484 throughout the festival.

What precautions are in place to prevent H1N1 virus (swine flu) exposure
during the event?
Consistent with the Center for Disease Control (CDC) guidelines, the
Naval Station advises that people with flu-like illness refrain from coming
to the 3rd and 4th of July public event on base. There will be numerous
hand-washing and hand sanitizer stations at the event, and signs will
encourage patrons to practice frequent hand hygiene. Specifically, the
public is advised to wash the hands after using the heads, and before every
meal, as a minimum. Review the CDC guidance at http://www.cdc.gov/h1n1flu/guidance/public_gatherings.htm