Lake County residents celebrate the Fourth

There was no missing Vernon Hills Mayor Roger Byrne at the front of his town's Independence Day parade Sunday.

Perched in the back of a truck with other village leaders, Byrne was sporting a bright-red Hawaiian shirt suitable for any Fourth of July event.

But a closer examination of the eye-catching garment revealed a Nebraska Cornhuskers logo on the left breast. Since Lincoln, Neb., isn't known for its luaus or poi, this detail was worth a question to the mayor.

"My son went to Nebraska," Byrne explained. "I couldn't resist it."

Byrne was among the hundreds of politicians and community members who marched - or rode - in the parade down Deerpath Drive. Local churches, volunteer groups and businesses were represented, too.

Marching in the middle of the pack was 13-year-old Ben Dobbertin of Boy Scout Troop No. 273. He was one of three flag-bearers at the front of his group.

"It is a major honor," Ben said.

Parades, fireworks shows and other patriotic events also were held in Fox Lake, Lake Zurich, Lincolnshire, Mundelein and elsewhere in the county.

In Island Lake, two local groups threw a free community picnic at Veterans Park. As a disc jockey played tunes, hundreds of people ate hot dogs and chatted on the shore of the lake that gives the village its name.

The party was courtesy of Lakeland Veterans of Foreign Wars Post No. 2486 and American Legion Post 911. Village officials chipped in to help pay for the festivities, too.

Daniel Bode, who lives near Island Lake, attended with his son, Evan, and appreciated that he didn't have to open his wallet for the pleasure.

"You don't see many guys throwing a thing like this," Bode said. "Nowadays, everybody wants to make money."

The park was abuzz with activity. Kids and their parents tossed beanbags and footballs at targets. Elsewhere, kids made crafts to bring home.

And a few people jumped into the lake to cool off.

"The community spirit is alive and well in Island Lake," village Trustee Connie Mascillino said.