NPR’s Peter Sagal Highlights Evanston Fourth of July

Gunning down the streets of Evanston on his “We the People” Road King motorcycle, NPR’s Peter Sagal will join the city’s Fourth of July festivities this year. 

The host of the radio station’s news quiz “Wait Wait … Don’t Tell Me” will be in town for a PBS documentary on the Constitution, set to debut in spring 2013, according to Fourth of July Association President Joan Ducayet. 

“Peter his film crew will take part in our pie-eating contest and the Lincolnwood playground games, talk to Evanstonians about their feelings about the Constitution, and take a ride in the parade on his motorcycle,” Ducayet said. 

The PBS film crew will be recording Sagal’s appearance, along with stock footage of various events in town.

“So when the little smiling faces waving flags appear next spring on PBS, they will be little Evanston smiling faces,” she added. 

The Fourth of July festivities begin at 9 a.m. this year, with playground games at , , the , , the , and—a new addition this year—, at Forest Avenue and Keeney Street.   

“When other cities are cutting back on their Fourth of July celebrations, I’m proud to say that the Evanston Fourth of July organization will be putting on all aspects of the celebration that Evanston’s come to expect,” Ducayet said. 

Evanston’s parade kicks off at 2 p.m. from Central Street and Central Park Avenue, and will head east toward Ryan Field. Marching this year include parade regulars the South Shore Drill Team, the Cavaliers Drum & Bugle Corps, the Jessie White Tumblers and performers from Redmoon Theater.   

“Part public art, part giant puppetry, the eclectic group has always been a big hit in Evanston,” Ducayet said. 

From 7 to 9 p.m., the Palatine Concert Band will perform in Dawes Park. Lakefront fireworks, launched from Clark Street beach, will be set off beginning at 9:15 p.m.