Former village manager leads Buffalo Grove parade

William Brimm may have recently retired as Buffalo Grove village manager, but the parade certainly hasn't passed him by.

Brimm led the annual Buffalo Grove Days Parade Sunday as grand marshal.

Wearing a "Pink Heals" T-shirt to support the fight against cancer in women, Brimm was seated in a horse-drawn carriage with his wife, Linda, and grandson, Aidan.

Brimm - who served the village for more than 30 years, mostly as finance director - said he was very honored to be the grand marshal.

"I know this is something they don't hand out willy nilly," he said. "This is actually the first time I will see the whole parade since 1978."

Spectators filled the sidewalks and lawns on Bernard Drive and Raupp Boulevard, two of the main streets along the route. Viewers watched from blankets or lawn chairs on the grass.

Anne Prager, a Bernard Drive resident, said this is her 10th year watching the parade. "We're glad Buffalo Grove does this every year," said Prager, who had 15-20 guests seated on her front lawn and set out tables with food for everybody. "It's about getting together with your family and your friends and just having a good time, and supporting the community and the things that they do."

A parade highlight was the array of vintage cars, ranging from 1920s and '30s Fords to '50s vintage Chevys.

Shriners showed up riding magic carpets, and attendees were treated to music from local high school bands.

Politicians galore used the parade to toot their horns, including Attorney General Lisa Madigan, congressional candidate Dan Seals, state Rep. Carol Sente, and state Rep. Sidney Mathias and his general election opponent, Linda Birnbaum.

Vestiges of local politics also could be seen on lawns lining the parade route, with signs both supporting and opposing the recall of Buffalo Grove Trustee Lisa Stone.

Buffalo Grove trustees threw candy to the children watching the parade. Several children put some of the candy in a shopping cart benefiting the needy.

After the parade, a Battle of the Bands took place at the end of the route.

The parade was part of Buffalo Grove Days festival, which continues today with the morning devoted to residents with special needs.

Rick Kahen, chair of the village's commission for residents with disabilities, said the special program is from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. and includes carnival rides, food, a disc jockey, the Buffalo Grove K-9 unit and an appearance by Ronald McDonald.

"I love the small-town feel of it (the parade)," he said.