Downtown businesses look forward to the July 4th rush

ROCKFORD, Ill. (WTVO) — Downtown businesses are excited for the crowds that come from celebrating the 4th of July.

“I think there’s nothing worse than when you go out to do something and everything’s closed up,” said Maze Books Owner Dave Pederson. “So as a business owner, it makes sense to be here when the people are here.”

Pederson is getting ready to experience his year in the heat of the July 4th Parade in downtown Rockford.

“Well, this will be the first year that we’re on the main strip, so I’m not sure what to anticipate, but I’m sure there’ll be a lot of people looking for places to go and things to do,” said Pederson.

TNT Funnel Cakes Co-Owner Ashley Washington is also getting ready for the holiday crowd. She experienced a great turnout last year and said she cannot wait to do it again.

“Last year it was it was such an awesome experience. It was really buzzing. We were wall-to-wall door-to-door last year for the 4th of July,” said Washington. “We are going to limit our menu because we learned some alarming things from last year. So we’re going to make sure that what we have is quick and easy.”

This is one of many events in Rockford that promote local businesses. Getting the chance to spend the fourth with the community is just one of many reasons why places stay open.

“One of our missions is to be community-based, so for us to have a storefront that’s in the middle of the parades is really awesome,” said Washington. “We’ve been here for every parade that has come downtown, [and] 4th of July is the biggest. It is one of the most exciting ones that happens downtown.”

Tomorrow the motorcycle parade will start at 4:40 p.m. The Jeep Parade and the Main Patriotic Parade start at 5 p.m. It all kicks off on 7th Street and heads North to East State Street.

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