Be part of the fun and help make this year’s Fourth of July Festival a success! Highland’s Fourth of July Festival, hosted by the Council of Community Events, kicks off Wednesday, July 1 and continues through Sunday,  July 5. We're looking for volunteers to work the festival info booth as well as parking lot attendants. Volunteers will receive a free T-shirt if registered by June 18. Scan the QR code to volunteer.

This year's Fourht of July Festival Kiddie Parade begins at 2 P.M. SATURDAY, JULY 4 at the Highland Municipal Parking Lot on Highway and Kennedy avenues. The parade route continues east on Highway and ends at Main Square Park. A special gift is provided for each child who participates, with some lucky winners finding GOLDEN TICKETS for free wristbands. Scan QR code to register. 

The Twilight Parade steps off at 6:30 P.M. FRIDAY, JULY 3 at 45th and Kennedy/St. James Church. Marching bands, military, veterans, scouts, police and  fire groups are free. Scan QR code to register. 

The 42nd annual All-American Mile Run kicks off the Twilight Independence Day Parade. It is part of the Calumet Striders 2026 Gold Cup Series! Register early to receive a T-shirt. Open to all age groups, the race begins at 6:30 p.m. FRIDAY, JULY 3 at 40th Street and Kennedy Avenue. The fee is $15 through July 2 only at runsignup.com or register race day for $20 from 5-6:15 p.m. at the school administration building. Awards for Top 3 in each age division plus overall male/female winners, masters male/female winners and Clydesdale/Athena finishers. Males with the fastest sub 4-min mile and females with the fastest sub 4:50-min mile win a $1,000 prize. Scan QR code to register. Race-day registration is cash only.

Join us for a special Sensory-Friendly Carnival from 1-3 p.m. Sunday, July 5 at Highland's Fourth of July Festival. The event is designed to create a comfortable, inclusive experience for individuals of all abilities. Enjoy carnival rides in a sensory-friendly, low-stimulation environment — with reduced noise, fewer crowds and extra support. Scan the QR code to register.

The Commercial Property Improvement Grant Program encourages property/business owners to renovate, restore and improve buildings – both inside and out. Grants will be awarded for up to 25 percent of the approved total. Projects over $20,000 will take priority, however, the Redevelopment Commission will review all projects regardless of the amount requested. Click here to download application. Questions? Please call Redevelopment Director Maria Becerra at (219) 972-7598 or email [email protected].