‘Community Spirit’ on display in Carol Stream

The theme of this year’s Fourth of July parade in Carol Stream is “Show Us Your Community Spirit.”

Indeed, it’s because of community members’ generosity through donations and fundraisers that the parade will go on as normal this year. Parade organizers say many people stepped up after the village announced last year it wouldn’t be making a financial contribution to the parade.

“It caused us to be more creative and caused us to reach out to more people in the village and ask for help,” parade committee Chairwoman Kim Gieser said.

Several area restaurants sponsored fundraisers over the past year in which the parade committee received up to 20 percent of proceeds on a given day. Glendale Lakes Golf Club will provide golf carts free for use at the parade.

Resident James Joseph, an employee of the DuPage County Office of Homeland Security and Emergency Management, also secured radios for parade organizers to use July 4.

Village residents contributed a total of $2,900 to the parade by checking a box on their water bills. The park district provided $1,500 for the parade effort.

Chris Oakley, assistant to the village manager, said the village and park district will split the $20,000 cost of fireworks at the Town Center at dusk July 4. A concert featuring Haymarket Riot, an eight-piece country rock band, is being funded through corporate sponsorships. It begins at 7 p.m.

Gieser said the parade committee’s goal was to put on a parade that looks similar to the ones in years past, but doing it after trimming expenses by more than half.

“No one said, ‘Let’s give it up.’ That never even came up. It was how could we do this with a lot less,” Gieser said. “And we did it — we’ve done it. And it’s going to be a great parade.”

One of the things the parade committee won’t be paying for this year is candy, which participants were given to throw to parade goers. Gieser said Carol Stream was one of the few parades that paid for its own candy.

But those marching in the parade are still welcome to bring their own candy, she said.

This year’s parade welcomes back mainstays such as the Jesse White Tumblers and Barefoot Hawaiians fire-twirling group. Other entertainment acts include the Glenbard North High School marching band, Low Down Brass Band, Banjo Buddies Dixieland Band, 501st Midwest Garrison Star Wars group and Shriner Cruizin’ Coolers.

Many entrants worked with Gieser to reduce their price. She noted that several towns have reduced or eliminated their parades, and entertainers have fewer parades from which to choose.

When she started working on the parade committee in 2005, Gieser said it was tough to get certain parade entrants unless they were booked early. So she’s gotten into the habit of sending an email every year on July 5 to thank them, and asking when they would be ready to book for next year.

Fundraising already is under way for the 2012 parade. Village President Frank Saverino donated an iPad that will be raffled off Sept. 22. Tickets are $5 each or five for $20. For more information, visit carolstreamparade.com.

The parade steps off at 10 a.m. Monday from County Farm and Lies roads, and proceeds eastward on Lies to the Town Center.

If You Go

What: Carol Stream Fourth of July Parade When: 10 a.m. Monday

Where: Parade starts at corner of County Farm and Lies roads, proceeds east on Lies to Town Center Who: Sponsored by Carol Stream Fourth of July Parade Committee Cost: Free

Info: carolstreamparade.com