Preserve summertime in the suburbs

It's an idyllic American scene: Families grouped on blankets in the park on the Fourth of July, picnicking on snacks from local vendors, listening to a municipal band while socializing with neighbors and waiting for fireworks to begin.

Well, nowadays the blankets probably have been replaced by folding chairs in carrying bags and the music comes from a local cover band playing songs from the 1980s. But the value of the community celebration hasn't changed.

Today is Memorial Day, when we show our gratitude and remember the sacrifices made to protect our freedoms. It also is the traditional kickoff to summer.

We fear, though, one of the treasured rites of summer will become a thing of the past without creative thinking and collaboration among local leaders, business and community groups.

We've used this space in the past to praise those who saved the Taste of Lombard, which was going to fold without support from village coffers. Organizers will now charge admission. It's not ideal for families already feeling the sting of the economic downturn. But it preserves a popular event that provides affordable summer entertainment close to home, supports local business and fosters community spirit.

There are other examples of creative solutions around the suburbs. In Fox Lake, a community fundraising group stepped up to restore the Independence Day fireworks over the Chain O' Lakes. Elburn and Island Lake canceled fireworks last year and are fundraising to bring it back for 2010.

When North Aurora canceled fireworks last year, the village contributed to neighboring Aurora's show. Elmhurst kicks in for Bensenville's fireworks. We'd like to see more of this kind of collaboration, where neighboring towns share expenses for events that are regional draws.

There are many ways to do it. They could alternate locations. One could pay for entertainment, another could fund public safety. Arlington Park charges admission. Itasca and Oak Brook have events sponsored by businesses and charge for parking. Some organizers sell raffle tickets.

Unfortunately, we are reading about too many communities that are simply cutting the budget and letting events die. Wheeling eliminated its parade and fireworks. Bloomingdale canceled both of its summer festivals. Addison is letting go of its 25-year fireworks tradition. Hampshire's Coon Creek County Days event is on the chopping block. Gurnee and Elgin scrapped their fireworks shows last year.

These are touchy issues. In Wheeling, a mere suggestion for resurrecting the canceled fireworks exploded into a heated exchange between a trustee and the village president.

We understand belt-tightening. We applaud leaders who can make tough, unpopular decisions when they believe that's the only option. We know those decisions take courage.

But we also believe, in many cases, there are overlooked opportunities for creative solutions. We encourage leaders to kick around ideas, seek new resources and preserve the traditions that make the suburbs home.