Longtime resident to lead Buffalo Grove Days parade

As Buffalo Grove nears the half-century mark, it's turning to one of its earliest residents to serve as Buffalo Grove Days parade marshal.

George Krug was among the first 154 families to settle in the village and has since become one of the annual parade's biggest fans.

"I told them if they ever change the parade route, I'm selling my house," Krug said.

While the front lawn of his house has long afforded a perfect view of the passing parade, he'll get a new perspective this year as marshal.

The parade will include more than 100 units and step off at 1 p.m. Sunday.

Among the marchers will be the bands of Buffalo Grove and Stevenson high schools and St. Mary's. Also performing will be the Great Lakes Naval Band, the Drum & Bugle Corps and the South Shore Drill Team.

Krug has enjoyed the parade since the first one in 1961, on which his wife Marianne served as secretary of the organizing committee.

He began his own involvement with the village when he became only the third person appointed to the plan commission.

His interest in the commission was aroused when he learned the village board had paid $3,000 for a strategic plan for Buffalo Grove's future development.

"I thought, $3,000 -- that's a fifth of what I paid for my house!" Krug said.

In the end, though, he felt the money was justified as it helped the village successfully grow to about 43,000 residents. He served 30 years on the commission in two separate stints.