Lombard parade to highlight literary figures

Curious George, Pocahontas and the Cat in the Hat will be on hand in Lombard this weekend for the 2009 Lilac Festival Parade.

And they'll be joined by Dutchie Caray and Ernie Banks, rock 'n' roll clowns and flying carpets, Barefoot Hawaiians twirling flaming torches and a team of mini horses that parade organizers discovered last year during a scouting trip to Chicago's Thanksgiving parade.

No wonder Lombard residents start putting out chairs along the parade route 24 hours in advance.

"That's how early people reserve their seats so they can have a front-row seat," said Gail Clark, parade committee chairwoman.

The parade steps off at 1:30 p.m. Sunday, May 17, from Glenbard East High School, 1014 S. Main St., heading north on Main to Maple Avenue, then east to Craig Place. The route is about 11/2 miles long, but the parade can take as long as 2 to 21/2 hours on a beautiful day - or finish up quite a bit sooner on a rainy one when everybody picks up the pace.

This year's Grand Marshal is Don Valentino, a member of the Lilac Parade Committee for more than 30 years. The 2009 Lilac Queen is Jaime Lemens.

The theme is "Books on Parade," and all the floats must have a literary tie-in.

An unofficial theme is miniature things, from Bertrand's Miniature Horses to the mini motorcycles, mini model Ts and half-size stock cars.

The 110 units include marching bands and drill teams, Little League players and YMCA Indian Guides and Princesses, politicians and the perennially popular Jesse White Tumblers.

"It's the largest suburban parade," Clark said.

If you go

What: Lilac Parade

When: 1:30 p.m. Sunday, May 17

Where: Main Street from Wilson Avenue north to Maple Avenue, east to Craig Place

Cost: Free

Details: 110 entries; parade lasts more than 2 hours in good weather

Info: lombardlilacparade.com