The Freedom Ruck March returns to Naperville's Riverwalk on Saturday, July 4, with a 4-mile weighted-pack walk stepping off at 8 a.m. from the Riverwalk Grand Pavilion, located behind the Judd Kendall VFW at 912 Honorary Sindt Memorial Ct.

Proceeds benefit Naperville Responds for Veterans, the nonprofit that has funneled nearly $2 million into home repairs and renovations for veterans since its founding in 2009.

Ruck packs are not required. Walkers, joggers, and families are all welcome on the route, which loops back to the VFW for a Birthday Bash Block Party with live music, food, drinks, and kids' activities. The event is framed as a celebration of America's 250th birthday.

What it costs

  • $40 — Ruck March entry (ages 13+); kids 12 and under ruck free
  • $65 — Adult all-inclusive (march + food and beverage wristband)
  • $35 — Adult food and beverage wristband only (no march)
  • $15 — Kid food and beverage wristband only

All ruckers receive a swag bag and a memorial ruck patch. Wristbands are required for food and drinks; individual sales will not be available at the event.

Registration and check-in open at 7 a.m. on-site, or register in advance at e.givesmart.com/events/P4K.

Where the money goes

NRFV's network of local contractors frequently contributes materials and labor or completes projects at cost, stretching fundraising dollars further. Projects range from roof repairs and wheelchair ramps to full bathroom accessibility renovations for veterans across more than 100 Chicago-area communities, according to the organization's website.

NRFV President Dan Jurjovec has described the group's mission as assisting veterans in need with housing improvements and donations. All applications for assistance are vetted by the NRFV veterans committee on an income and needs basis.

Naperville July 4 weekend calendar

  • Thursday, July 2, 7:30 p.m. — Naperville Municipal Band Independence Day Concert, Central Park Community Concert Center. Free.
  • Saturday, July 4, 7 a.m.–1 p.m. — Freedom Ruck March and Birthday Bash Block Party, Riverwalk Grand Pavilion / Judd Kendall VFW, 912 Honorary Sindt Memorial Ct. Free parking on-site.
  • Saturday, July 4, 7:30 p.m. — Naperville Municipal Band patriotic concert, Wagner Pavilion at 95th Street Community Plaza (next to 95th Street Library). Free.
  • Saturday, July 4, 9:30 p.m. — Naperville Community Fireworks Show, Frontier Sports Complex, 3380 Cedar Glade Dr. Free admission and parking (906 spaces at Frontier, approximately 1,000 at Neuqua Valley High School, 2360 95th St.). Co-hosted by the Naperville Park District and the City of Naperville. Attendees can watch from the field or from vehicles.

Parking maps for the fireworks will be posted at naperville.il.us/eventinfo before Saturday, July 4.