'A grand day for the parade'

Many were snoozing and catching up on their beauty sleep Monday morning.

But in downtown Naperville, thousands of energetic early birds were awaiting the start of the Last Fling Labor Day Parade.

Kids on inline skates and tricycles, marching bands, cheer squads, political parties, dance groups and high school teams swarmed through the streets and entertained those who had camped out along the route since the early morning hours.

The first Naperville Jaycees Fling Mile preceded the parade, as about 200 athletes made their way down a major part of the parade route.

John Coby of Naperville, who served in the U.S. Navy until April, held large, patriotic flag as he marched with Naperville's American Legion Post #43.

"I felt honored, as I'm sure we all did, to participate in (the parade) and just represent the veterans, past and present," he said.

David Nelson of Naperville and his 5-year-old son, Ethan, marched with the city's safety town crew.

Ethan broke a sweat after riding a three-wheeler through the entire parade, but said speeding was his favorite part.

"I liked when I went really fast," Ethan said.

Nelson walked with his son for safety reasons and also enjoyed the parade.

"It was kind of cool," he said. "Every time you'd turn, the whole crowd would start cheering. It made me very proud to be part of Naperville and part of safety town."

Eric Zavoral, 11, of Naperville was decked out in an oversized, red Crime Stoppers T-shirt as he handed dozens of residents shiny pencils.

"It's really fun," he said. "Just making everybody happy makes me happy."

While units and marchers who made their way through downtown Naperville waved, threw out candy and got the audience rowdy, viewers had a blast, too.

Vanessa Williams of Aurora came out to the parade with her husband, Treves and son Matthew, 12, to watch their 9-year-old daughter Ashley perform with the Patriots Cheer Squad.

"I think it's very important to be supportive of your kids and supportive of neighboring communities," Williams said. "It's a grand day for the parade."