The Central Street land rush to reserve viewing spots for the Fourth of July parade is sure to happen again this year, and city officials are reminding residents that Evanston has an ordinance to penalize “Sooners.”
Community members can set up chairs and blankets only on the parkways of Central Street, from the west side of Bent Park to Asbury Ave., no earlier than 6 a.m. on July 1.
Chairs and blankets are not allowed on sidewalks or on areas where pavement extends to the curb. Chairs and blankets cannot obstruct or encroach on crosswalks or disabled access to sidewalks.
Items must be removed no later than 6 p.m. the day of the parade. The city will remove all chairs and blankets placed prior to 6 a.m. on July 1 and left after 6 p.m. on the day of the parade. The City is not responsible for the loss of or damage to property placed on the parkways or removed from the parkways.
The ordinance is in place to preserve the health and safety of those living and visiting Central Street during the weeks prior to holiday event.
For more information on Fourth of July events, check Evanston Now’s Fourth of July schedule or visit the Evanston Fourth of July Association website.