Lombard's Lilac Parade this weekend
The lilacs have finally bloomed. The floats are getting finishing touches. And Main Street in Lombard is ready for crowds expected to number 10,000 for Sunday's annual Lilac Parade. Daily Herald Staff Writer Melynda Findlay asked organizer Erica Fisette to tells us what to expect for this year's big event.
Q. When is it?
A. 1:30 p.m. May 18
Q. What is this year's theme?
A. Great Americans
Q. What's the route?
A. Starts at Main and Wilson streets and proceeds north to Maple Street; turns east on Maple and finishes at Craig Place.
Q. Who is the grand marshal?
A. The Rev. Rob Hatfield, senior minister at First Church of Lombard
Q. How many units are there?
A. Approximately 110
Q. Tell us about them.
A. There are way too many to list. We have local bands from the middle schools and high schools, plus other non-local school bands. Additionally, we have a clown band, a hillbilly band and four or five drill team bands (we have a lot of bands this year!) We also have horses, antique vehicles, police cars, fire trucks, the Jesse White Tumblers, baton twirlers, Medinah Shriners Magic Carpets and mini-motorcycles, large bikes and clowns; the Lilac Queen and her court; politicians and so on.
Q. How long is the parade?
A. About two hours
Q. What's the annual favorite?
A. Here are a few of the crowd favorites: South Shore Drill Team, back this year after a two-year absence; Chuck-A-Roo and the Memories Rock-and-Roll Clown Band; Jesse White Tumblers; color guards; Medinah Shriners and we have four horse units this year.
Q. Are there parking restrictions?
A. Lots! The police department releases a list of all the parking restrictions (see side bar). A new street closure this year is Craig Place, from Maple Street south to Madison Street. No parking will be allowed on either side of the street this year, because horses will be traveling there.
If you go
What: Lilac Parade
When: 1:30 p.m. May 18
Where: Main Street in Lombard. Begins at Glenbard East High School and travels north to Maple.
Cost: Free