Itasca salutes past, present, future
As hundreds of veterans, baton twirlers, bagpipe musicians and even clowns line up to celebrate Memorial Day in Itasca, it will be with a mix of reverence and revelry.
The village's annual Memorial Day parade, which is organized by Itasca Park District, features more than 65 floats filled with music and entertainment, followed by a more somber remembrance of veterans who served our country.
It steps off from Bryn Mawr and Catalpa avenues and goes to 200 N. Maple St.
"It's a great way for our community to get together and celebrate," said Susan Rioux, park district recreation supervisor.
The 65-unit parade will run about 90 minutes and will be led by three grand marshals this year: Village President Jeff Pruyn, along with his predecessors Claudia "Gigi" Gruber, who served from 1997 to 2009, and Shirley Ketter, who served from 1985 to 1997.
Rioux said this arrangement honors Itasca's motto: "Committed to our future, inspired by our past."
After the parade, which begins at 9:30 a.m., VFW Post 5167 will host its memorial service. Families may bring picnic baskets or buy food from vendors and listen to musical entertainment from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Rioux said this is the first big event of the summer to kick off a season of festivals in the village, including its Fourth of July fireworks, Itasca Fest, Oktoberfest and the Itasca Art and Wine Festival.
"This is something to kind of get people ready for what's to come," said Rioux.