Des Plaines Prepares For July 4th Parade

The Des Plaines July 4th Parade will kick off at 10 AM, Thursday, July 4, 2013, from Oakton and Center Street with the theme: “Great Inventions that changed America!”

Thanks to the dedication and efforts of Carol Shannon, a volunteer member of the Special Events Commission who has coordinated the traditional parade for 12 years, approximately 80 units are expected to highlight the parade. Shannon explains that the theme was chosen in hopes that individuals and groups “will celebrate our Country by showcasing innovations that helped changed the course of our lives and history.”

The following awards will be presented this year for decorated units and for homes along the parade route (which proceeds north down Center towards the downtown) reflecting the parade theme: 1) Best Religious Entry, 2) Best Musical Entry, 3) Best Non-Musical Performance Entry, 4) Best Youth Service Organization Entry, 5) Best Adult Service Organization Entry, 6) Best Sport Related Entry, 7) Best Business Entry, 8) Best Uniformed Personnel Entry, 9) Best Political Entry, and 10) Best Vehicle.

Parade review stands will be at the intersection of Thacker and Center Street. According to Shannon, the Des Plaines Self-Help Closet and Food Pantry will team up with Two Men and a Truck, a local moving company, to collect needed paper products, along the parade route. The public is asked to bring items such as toilet paper, paper towels and kleenex and watch for the Self Help Closet and Food Pantry's trademark red barrel in the parade.

Heading up the City's traditional parade as the parade marshal will be representatives of R. C. Wahl Jewelers, 1514 Miner Street, a Des Plaines family operated business, operating since 1894.

“We are truly excited about this year's July 4th event and ask that everyone plans on attending and being involved in our celebration. This is the Birthday of our Country and a wonderful time for our community to celebrate. It's all about the people of Des Plaines. That is what makes this town the great place that it is. That's how it has always been and it will continue,” Shannon said.

Shannon is assisted by Special Events Commissioner Tom Christiansen. Both are members of the volunteer Des Plaines Special Events Commission.

For more information call Carol Shannon at 847-321-0583 or email tjscks@comcast.net.