Rose Parade blossoms in the sun

Candy, ice cream treats, even a small shower from a fire department hose — all were part of the 52nd annual Rose Parade in Roselle Sunday.

The parade, which took place on the last day of the village’s annual Rose Festival, got marching at about 2 p.m. on a picture-perfect afternoon, though residents started staking out spots along the parade route much earlier.

“It’s just a nice little community event,” said Steve Schaeffer, 41, who sat on Irving Park Road near Prospect. “It gives you a nice feeling to watch a parade in the summertime, you know?”

As always, many of the marchers handed out candy to excited children along the route. When the Roselle Fire Department rolled by, one of the trucks cooled onlookers down with short blasts from a hose.

The Roselle Chamber of Commerce and Industry, which partners with the village on the parade, included a Fourth of July float to remind residents that the chamber is funding the fireworks display this year. Onlookers applauded the float has it went by.

Also marching were members of local American Legion Post 1084; Bloomingdale Township Assessor John Dabrowski, named as the 2011 Roselle Chamber Business Person of the Year; and Lauren Caputo, the 2011 Roselle Rose Queen.

Jennifer Galluzo, a local mother of two, said she attended the parade because her kids wouldn’t forgive her if she didn’t bring them.

“They love it,” she said. “They love the sirens, the floats, all of it. Though I think the candy is their favorite part.”