Lombard's Lilac Parade gets nostalgic
Lombard's Lilac Parade on Sunday took spectators on a trip through the past.
The theme of the 59th annual Lilac Parade was “Nostalgia from the '60s, '70s and '80s.” Many of the organizations marching in the parade reflected that theme. The local VFW Post, for example, carried signs that listed “Movies Of Our Time” (“Apocalypse Now”) and “Songs of Our Time” (“Age of Aquarius”).
For all the looking back, though, the spectators said the parade represented what lies ahead — another summer season in Lombard. That feeling was enhanced by the fact that Sunday's parade took place amid pleasantly warm temperatures and mostly sunny skies.
“It does kind of feel like this parade kicks off the summer here, even though we're not there yet on the calendar,” said Arnold Dooley, a resident of Lombard for 47 years. “And look at the weather we got today!”
The parade started with the traditional procession of local emergency vehicles, including some vintage fire department vehicles to mark the Lombard Fire Department's 100th birthday this year.
The Willowbrook Marching Warriors from Willowbrook High School in Villa Park got the crowd's juices flowing early on with an energetic rendition of the 1960s rock song “Born To Be Wild” as the band marched from the parade step-off point at Main Street and Wilson Avenue.
“This is what my kids really like, the marching bands,” said resident Laura Mattucci, who brought her two young daughters to the parade.
Other attractions scheduled to march in the parade included the popular Jesse White Tumblers and a visit from this year's Lilac Queen, Megan Cotterill, and her court. The grand marshals this year were the wife and daughters of the late Village President Bill Mueller, who passed away in August 2012. Mueller served as village president from 1993 until his death. The car carrying Mueller's family received enthusiastic applause as it passed.
As is traditional, Sunday's parade was held on the last day of the 83rd annual Lilac Time event in Lombard.