Barrington July Fourth parade gets organized

Join in celebrating our country's upcoming Independence Day at Barrington's annual Fourth of July parade, which will be at 10 a.m. Wednesday, July 4.

The parade will run from Barrington High School to the train station and will celebrate the community spirit of Barrington with bands, classic cars, local performers and decorative floats, all embodying this year's theme, "Let Freedom Ring: Courage, Service, & Honor."

This year's parade committee feels these three pillars were exemplified by our Founding Fathers and encourages participants to reflect on them when planning their parade entries:

Ÿ Courage - the risk of trying something new, standing up for injustice, fighting for something larger than yourself.

Ÿ Service - the generosity of Americans in either military, community, or civic organizations.

Ÿ Honor - recognition for military sacrifice, excellence in school, or achievement in athletics.

In addition to the actual parade, the committee will host an essay contest for area schoolchildren emphasizing this year's parade theme, as well as a food drive to be conducted along the parade route.

All donations will be given to the Barrington and Cuba Township food pantries to benefit local neighbors in need.

The Barrington Fourth of July Parade is run by the Barrington Fourth of July Parade Committee, an independent group of community volunteers dedicated to preserving the self-sustaining parade.

For information on the parade, essay contest and the food drive, visit www.barringtonparade.com.