Youth will lead Rolling Meadows Fourth parade

Rolling Meadows youth will get to kick off the city's July Fourth festivities this year by serving as parade marshals.

The city is now accepting applications from children ages 6-18 who want to lead the annual parade, which steps off at 11:30 a.m. July 4 from Rolling Meadows High School.

Annette Szafran, a member of the Rolling Meadows Community Events Foundation, came up with the idea. She formed a subcommittee to develop a set of criteria for selecting a total of six marshals - two each from age groups 6-9, 10-13 and 14-18.

Applicants should submit a short essay regarding a historical fact they learned about Rolling Meadows, why they're proud to be a Rolling Meadows resident, or what the Fourth of July means to them.

The winners will get to lead the parade on a decorated horse-drawn wagon.

Applications, available at city hall or at cityrm.org, are due May 18.

Groups, businesses, clubs or teams that want to march in the parade can also register on the city website.