Dozens of groups ready to parade in Carol Stream

Carol Stream officials are gearing up for the annual Fourth of July celebration Friday with a parade and fireworks display.

The parade, themed "Carol Stream ... Care and Service for All," will kick off at 10 a.m. July 4 near County Farm and Lies roads.

The route, which has been lined in previous years with as many as 10,000 people, will head east on Lies Road to the Ross Ferraro Town Center near Gary Avenue.

Parade Chairwoman Kim Gieser said the parade will last about 90 minutes.

Several dozen entrants are expected to participate, including the Honey Bear Dancers, the Glenbard North High School marching band, Chicago Cubs Brass Band, the U.S. Navy Parade Band from the Great Lakes Naval Base, the Jesse White Tumblers, fire-twirling Hawaiian entertainers and the St. Andrews Society of Central Illinois Pipes and Drums.

"We really have been trying hard to represent all the residents who live in Carol Stream," Gieser said. "We're constantly looking for more and varied kinds of entertainment."

At last count, Gieser said volunteers organizing the parade had more than 50 applications from groups hoping to walk the parade route.

Later that night, a 20-minute fireworks display will start at 9:30 p.m. in the Town Center park. The fireworks will be preceded by live music from country music band Country Sky Band at 7:30 p.m.

For hungry spectators, pizza will be sold. Parking will be available at the Town Center.

Organizers still need volunteers to help local police with organization and crowd control and with future parade planning.

For details or to volunteer, call Gieser at (630) 681-7562.

If you go

What: Carol Stream's annual Fourth of July parade

When: 10 a.m. July 4

Where: Parade kicks off near the intersection of County Farm and Lies roads, then travels east along Lies Road toward the Ross Ferraro Town Center.

Cost: Free

For more information: Visit www.carolstreamparade.com