Families, friends reunite for South Elgin parade

As a sergeant in the Army National Guard, Casey Walker is used to waking before sunrise to prepare for dangerous missions.

But she didn't expect a call from her parents at 7 a.m. Sunday, reminding her to leave for South Elgin before Spring Street was blocked off for the annual parade.

Walker, who is stationed in Rockford, headed back to her hometown on Sunday to watch the Independence Day parade and enjoy her family's traditional cookout.

The Walker family, including 30 to 40 relatives and friends, camped out on the sidewalk and lawn in front of Charles Walker's house Sunday as politicians, local dance troupes and soldiers marched by.

Among Sunday's highlights were the South Elgin High School Marching Band, which saluted Michael Jackson with arrangements of "Thriller" and "ABC," as well as fez-capped members of the Fox Valley Shriner Club, who entertained parade watchers with a miniature organ hauled on a trailer behind a truck.

The best part of the parade for Sgt. Walker?

"I always get blessed with thank-yous, people coming up and shaking my hand," Casey Walker said. "People don't realize it, but a lot of people are against us. When people come up to you, it makes you feel really good."

Charles Walker, Casey's father, has lived in South Elgin for 35 years and has owned his home along the parade route for the past 19 years.

"This is my favorite day of the year," he said. "When the flag comes by, it's about red, white and blue."

Sunday was Casey's first Fourth of July parade since returning to the United States in September from a one-year tour in Kabul.

"Every day feels like I just got home," Casey said.

"Today's kind of special," said her father.

Nearby, seven families gathered under the shade to take in the parade, maintaining an annual tradition they have kept for the past five years.

"It's nice to get out and have a nice family opportunity," said Joe Zdybel, who lives within walking distance of the parade route. "People you don't see all the time, you get to sit and talk - and see the kids get candy."

Zdybel's friend Dave Curley, also of South Elgin, was too busy making sure the kids were safe while running to retrieve candy to pay much attention to this year's parade entries.

"I just watch the kids," Curley said. "I don't even watch the parade. They enjoy it, though."

One thing he has noticed since he started coming with his family five years ago: "Each year, it gets bigger."