Wheaton Jaycees look to the past for Fourth of July celebration
As Wheaton heads into its second sesquicentennial celebration in the last 20 years, the Wheaton Jaycees have geared this year's Fourth of July celebration as a kick off to an entire year of festivities.
This is the city's second sesquicentennial because the 1988 celebration focused on the original land claims by Wheaton's founders, Erastus Gary and Jesse and Warren Wheaton in 1837 and 1838. This time around Wheaton is commemorating the incorporation of the city in 1859.
The 2008 Wheaton Fourth of July Parade marks the beginning of the yearlong celebration. The festivities will close with the 2009 Wheaton Fourth of July Parade. Wheaton Jaycee Jeff Barcalow shared his insight into what this year's parade and fireworks will entail.
Q. What is the theme of the parade?
A. "Remembering Yesterday"
Q. Who organizes the event?
A. Wheaton Jaycees
Q. When is it?
A. Parade is from 10 a.m. to a little after noon. Fireworks start at dusk. A lot of people come out, so arrive early at both events and save a spot.
Q. Where is it?
A. The parade is in downtown Wheaton. Fireworks are at the DuPage County Fairgrounds near County Farm Road and Manchester Road in Wheaton.
Q. What's the best place to park?
A. Side streets along the parade route. For fireworks, parking is available at the fairgrounds and the neighboring DuPage County government complex.
Q. Who are the food vendors?
A. None for the parade, so bring water if it is hot. Tropical Ice is the vendor for the fireworks.
Q. What's new in the parade this year?
A. The South Shore Drill Team is one of several new entries. There is no elephant this year.
Q. What's everyone's favorite?
A. The bands, horse group and the creativity of the local businesses. The favorite for the fireworks is, of course, the big finale.
Q. What's the parade route?
A. The parade starts at Main Street and Wakeman Avenue, heading south toward downtown Wheaton. It turns right on Wesley Street and then left on Wheaton Avenue, going in front of Wheaton City Hall and the post office. It turns left on Front Street and continues until Cross Street. The reviewing stand is the same place as last year, on Front Street and Main Street. Some streets will close at 9 a.m. or earlier.
Q. How many units will be marching?
A. There are more than 100 groups in the parade including: Wheaton Mayor Mike Gresk and the city council; the Medinah Mini Choppers Shrine Club; U.S. Martial Arts Academy; Tunes of Glory Pipes and Drum Band; DuPage County and Milton Township officials; Black Sheep Harley Davidsons for Christ; Wheaton North Marching Band; Wheaton Municipal Band; Cantigny First Division Museum; SilverKnights Baton Corps; PFLAG DuPage, and the South Shore Drill Team.
Q. What's the best number to call for details?
A. (630) 668-7074
Q. Is there a Web site with information?
A. www.wheatonjaycees.org/fourth
Fireworks schedule
6:30 p.m. Fairgrounds open
7-8:15 p.m. Parking lot fills quickly. VIP parking should arrive no later than 8:15 p.m.
7-8:30 p.m. Just Two performing at Grandstand
7-8:30 p.m. Pancakes the Clown and Company at the Grandstand
8:30 p.m. Winners from the parade are announced
8:45 p.m. Pledge of Allegiance and national anthem
Fireworks at dusk.