High school bands sought for spring parade

Hoffman Estates officials are asking high school marching bands to extend their season a bit to participate in the village's newly expanded Tartan Day parade and celebration.

"It doesn't matter if you're from Hoffman Estates or not," said Emily Kerous, director of operations for the village.

Tartan Day started last year as a way the village could celebrate Scottish heritage at the same time as the hugely successful Heartland International Tattoo Music and Dance Festival. Mayor William McLeod even donned a kilt for the event. This year, the Tattoo will take place Saturday, April 10, at the Sears Centre.

The village has decided to merge its signature Unity Day event with Tartan Day. Unity Day brought Mexican and Indian dancers and food from around the globe for a summer festival that became a village staple.

Kerous said they're looking for multicultural groups and volunteers to hold parade balloons - the type that float above New York City for the Macy's Thanksgiving Parade. Village officials are also hoping to sign up performance groups of all types, such as music and dance or World War II re-enactment groups.

Most suburban marching bands dissolve in the spring, when students start turning in their uniforms. Hoffman Estates wants parents, students and teachers to get involved and lengthen their bands' seasons.

Those interested in Tartan Day can e-mail Linda Scheck, the village's tourism and business retention coordinator, at linda.scheck@hoffmanestates.org.