Retired firefighters keep things cool at Alpine Fest parade

Crowds lining Main Street for Lake Zurich's annual Alpine Fest Parade were treated to an afternoon shower Sunday.

No, it didn't rain, at least not from the sky. The water was launched by retired Lake Zurich volunteer firefighters riding a 1955 Pirsch firetruck as part of the parade's finale.

The ritual is a long-standing tradition at the parade, part of the festival run each year by the Lake Zurich Lions Club.

Children met the aquatic onslaught with open arms. Even the adults didn't mind getting sprayed.

"The water is great, especially on a day like this," said Jordana Fox, who watched the parade with her children.

Former Fire Chief Robert Block, who gathered with other retired volunteer firefighters in the Lake Zurich Volunteer's Association Hall prior to the parade, said the blast is actually a fine mist. Over the years many in the crowd would return fire, he added.

"When you would go down the parade route, they would have hoses and (water) guns and everything set up to hit us," Block said.

The other retired firefighters included Block's brother, former Deputy Chief Roger Block.

"People are ready for us now," Roger Block said. "They have blankets and towels and cover themselves with plastic. When it's 90 degrees out there, it doesn't matter to anybody if they get wet."

The crowd gathering on Main Street enjoyed not only the candy that was thrown at them, parade entries that included Shriners aboard motorized water coolers, horses and magic carpets. They also heard from the Lake Zurich High School Marching Band.

Spectators gathered early, with Lake Zurich resident Amy Harrow, a 12-year parade veteran, armed with chairs and a bag filled with Gatorade and water.

Jason Trullinger said he is a relatively new resident, but was impressed by the growing number of community activities, such as Rock the Block.

Others didn't come to the parade so much as have the parade come to them.

Michael Paulus and Amy Branding viewed the proceedings from a house on Main Street.

"I have been watching it from this spot my whole life," Branding said.

The parade was the centerpiece of a day at Alpine Fest that also featured food, games and carnival rides.

Doug Bartels, a past president of the Lions, said the festival is the organization's major fundraiser.

The proceeds, among other things, help maintain Lion Fred Blau Park and the village's namesake lake.