Heat's on, but Mundelein residents still enjoy Community Days parade

Spectators lined the streets with umbrellas and fans of red, white and blue as Mundelein celebrated the nation's independence Monday with the annual Community Days parade.

Muggy temperatures reaching into in the low 90s did not stop the flow of fire trucks, pageant queens, marching bands and political hopefuls who braved the steamy weather.

"The heat is almost too much," said Lori Sweeney, a Mundelein resident since the 1960s who said she comes to the parade every year.

Temperatures aside, the spotlight of the parade was on the Boy Scouts of America's 100-year anniversary. The Scouts' floats featured campground scenes, tents, fake campfires and countless flags.

Troop 198, which is based out of St. Andrew's church, had the honor of leading the parade with the American flag.

"They were thrilled and very proud to have the opportunity," said Kris Haydock, mother of Ben Arts, an Eagle Scout who helped lead the parade and Michael Haydock, a Cub Scout who was also in the parade. "I am so proud of them."

The Troop won first place for best decorated float.

Some of the fan favorites during the parade were the line of Ford Model A cars from the Model A Restorer's Club, the first firetruck in Mundelein's history and the area's pageant queens.