While the Freedom Fest mostly takes place downtown, today’s photo features a scene in the Kirkwood neighborhood, just north of town. For the past 76 years (1949), the families of Kirkwood have been celebrating the holiday as a neighborhood. The event was initiated  by four families who walked around the neighborhood carrying a flag. From this meaningful and humble beginning, the event has grown into a giant celebration with music, a parade on Independence Drive with a  giant flag draped over the street.

Here is a three minute WFMY YouTube video detailing the history. This event is enough to make one want to live in this family-friendly neighborhood, just north of Irving Park.