Elk Grove parade: Classic moments in history

Get ready for a fun history lesson at the Elk Grove Home Town Parade with this year’s “Great Moments in History” theme. These will include “Washington Crossing the Delaware” with the mayor and village board; “The Wright Brothers First Flight” by the Lions Club; “Sally Ride — First Woman in Space” by Star Fire Cheerleading; “Elvis’s First Appearance on the Ed Sullivan Show,” by the library board, and many more great moments in history.

New participants in the parade this year are the Waterloo German Band, the Jolly Giants/Energetic Acrobats and the Elk Grove Friends of Cycling. Returning favorites include the Pioneer Drum and Bugle Corps, the Elk Grove High School Marching Grenadiers, the Kilties Drum & Bugle Corps, the Medinah Black Horse Troop and mascots Benny the Bull and Tommy Hawk.

The Elk Grove Historical Society is the parade’s grand marshal. The historical society helps preserve the history of Elk Grove Village and runs the Historical Museum, which includes the 1856 farmhouse, 1880s barn, a reproduction of a one-room schoolhouse, chicken coop and privy. They offer tours, Scout workshops, history programs and exhibits.

The parade begins at 6 p.m. Saturday, June 16 and goes along Elk Grove Boulevard from Tonne to Lions Drive. Everyone is welcome. Come early for Rotary Fest and stay afterward for the fireworks and more Rotary Fest entertainment.