Carol Stream celebrates early with Saturday parade

The village of Carol Stream held its Fourth of July parade on Saturday, a day before the actual holiday.

But based on the smiles and cheers coming from the spectators who lined the parade route, people liked starting the holiday festivities early.

The parade featured a mix of civic groups, politicians and plenty of high-energy entertainment.

"We love it - it's a great way to spend a morning like this," said resident Marsha Stensland. "The kids get a kick out of all the music and characters. It's a big part of how we celebrate the Fourth."

Not too long ago the parade's prospects were dim because of a shortage of money. But the community offered its support during a series of fundraisers at local restaurants, ensuring that the parade would march in 2010.

"I'm so glad," a red-white-and-blue-clad Debbie O'Donnell said. "A community parade just seems like a nice Americana thing to do when you're honoring your country's birthday."

The police and fire units got the parade going on Saturday, and they, like the VFW unit that followed, received a standing ovation from many of the spectators along Lies Road.

The Glenbard North High School band got people moving with its energetic renditions of patriotic songs. Children, meanwhile, squealed and waved at the clowns and stiltwalkers who marched past.

"Hey, it's Batman!" one child shrieked after seeing the famous superhero head down the street. Batman looked over and held his fists up in an affectionate gesture of toughness.

"This is a great way to get the weekend going," resident Steve Wheeler said. "We'll be going to a cookout later on, then the fireworks here. That's a nice day."