Small-town vibe infuses West Chicago parade

Merle Burleigh had a strategy as grand marshal of Sunday's West Chicago Railroad Days parade.

Understanding that she would have to stand on a fire truck and wave the entire route, she decided to take her enthusiasm down a peg so that her arms weren't exhausted by the end of the milelong route.

However, from the looks of it, she didn't seem to follow her own advice. As she neared the end of her day as a celebrity, the 32-year West Chicago resident was still smiling big, jumping and screaming and, yes, waving frantically.

"It's just a great people town," Burleigh said of the town she has called home since 1978. "I love the people and the diversity. It's just a big-city atmosphere with a small-town feel."

The annual parade has a small-town vibe. It starts and ends in a residential neighborhood just west of Route 59 and along Geneva Road. Residents and visitors line the streets waving at the parade participants. Many call out to their friends in the vehicles and floats.

"You have half the town in the parade and the other half watching," Burleigh said, noting that this is the first time in 12 years she's been in the parade.

The parade did feature some unique entries to go along with the requisite politicians, cheerleader squads, bands and Shriners. Several floats honored General Mills, which is celebrating its 50th year in West Chicago, and people donned Hamburger Helper mittens and Trix rabbit costumes.

The parade's theme was "Nifty at Fifty" in honor of the food giant.

"They are a big contributor to the community and it was a way to honor them at 50 years," said West Chicago Mayor Mike Kwasman, who was also in the parade and then joined the crowd to watch along the street.

He said the parade, which was put on by the West Chicago Chamber of Commerce, is a way for the community to come together.

"It's one of those times you can get people together to have fun," Kwasman said. "When times are tough, you open your arms and give them a little bit of happiness."