Story posted Friday, July 3, 2009
July 4th Fun Marches On
Parade Down Center Street, Fireworks Highlight City's Annual Bash
While many surrounding communities have cut back or even eliminated some of their traditional Independence Day activities due to the economic crunch, in Des Plaines events will go on as planned this Saturday, July 4th as the nation celebrates its 233d birthday.
More than 100 units consisting of floats, antique cars, wagons, children, fire trucks and the traditional color guard will roll north on Center Street from Oakton Street beginning at 10 a.m. Along the mile-long route, Des Plainesites can find themselves a nice spot to stand or sit on a lawn chair to watch the parade go by. Review stands will be set up between Thacker Street and Prairie Avenue and at Algonquin road and Center Street where the names of individual units will be announced as they pass. Serving as emcees at those two spots are former aldermen Tom Becker and Tom Christiansen along with Donna Catlett, Mayor Marty Moylan's secretary.
The theme of this year's parade is "America's Famous Firsts". According to parade chairman Carol Shannon, "America's Famous Firsts" was chosen in hopes that individuals and groups might select a "historic first" to feature with their marching unit.
Various awards will be presented for decorated units and for homes along the parade route. Awards include:
* Best Religious Entry,
* Best Musical Entry,
* Best Non-Musical Performance Entry,
* Best Youth Service Organization Entry,
* Best Adult Service Organization Entry,
* Best Sports Related Entry,
* Best Business Entry,
* Best Uniformed Personnel Entry,
* Best Political Entry,
* Best Vehicle.
This year's parade marshal is the Des Plaines Chamber of Commerce, which is celebrating its 75th anniversary.
As the parade winds down, the traditional Des Plaines Historical Society's 24th annual Ice Cream Social will be held on the grounds of the Fisher-Wright House, 815 Center St. The public is invited to attend the social and purchase ice cream, root beer floats and other treats.
At 4 p.m. the grounds of Oakton Community College will be available for picnicking and face painting. The historical society will sell corn. Hot dogs, nachos, funnel cakes, snow cones, ice cream and root beer floats will also be available for purchase. Food will be provided between parking lot A and the Oakton College lake.
At around 9:15 p.m. Mad Bomber will ignite the fireworks display. In the event of rain, a rain date of Saturday, July 11 has been scheduled for fireworks only.
Parking in the Oakton lot will be free until 5 p.m. after which there will be a charge of $5 per car. Parking lots will close at 5 p.m.
Shannon, Tom Christiansen and the Special Events Commission are coordinating local Independence Day activities.
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