CHICAGO (AP) — Communities across Illinois are celebrating Independence Day with parades, ice cream socials, fishing derbies and fireworks.

In the central Illinois town of Lincoln, an old-fashioned children’s walking parade was to be followed by a water balloon fight. Lincoln is said to be the only town in the nation named for Abraham Lincoln before he was president.

Recommended Stories

Illinois public health officials offer new map to help with travel choices

Several Illinois cities rank among nation’s most affordable

National Park Service cancels Fourth of July parade on National Mall