Long-timers, newbies find meaning in Elgin parade

Bryan McMhan has never missed Elgin's Fourth of July parade in the more than two decades he's lived there. This year, he learned something new, thanks to an American Legion Post 57 float carrying Lao veterans who fought with the U.S. Army in Vietnam. “I think it's excellent. I don't think anybody knew about it — at least I didn't.”

Others were first-time spectators, like Alvaro and Maribel Rodriguez of Elgin. The Mexican natives said they have always been aware of the significance of the Fourth of July, and decided it was time to take part in the festivities. “Our two daughters were born here, and this country has given us freedom,” Alvaro Rodriguez said.

Ten-year-old Ezekiel Hare, of Elgin, knew exactly why he was at the parade — to get loads of candy. He and his brothers and cousins, ranging in age from 5 to 11, were at the ready with plastic bags, eager to scoop up candy tossed along Douglas Avenue. Besides the candy, Ezekiel said his favorite part was meeting Captain Jack Sparrow from the movie “Pirates of the Caribbean.”

Just down the road from Elgin, organizers hope the inaugural Northwest Fourth-Fest, a joint effort between Elgin, Hanover Park, Hanover Township and Hoffman Estates, could draw as many as 20,000 people in its first year.

Despite a lack of foliage, the festival, which runs through July 8 outside the Sears Centre in Hoffman Estates, has plenty of tents for patrons to get out of the sun. There's also a Cool Zone inside the arena, complete with air conditioning, free water and restrooms.

Hoffman Estates Mayor Bill McLeod said he was impressed by the expansive spread of carnival rides, entertainment, food vendors and activities.

“I think this is the wave of the future,” McLeod said of the combo festival. “Towns always manage to work together in an emergency, so it's nice to be able to work together on something fun.”