Food drive part of Barrington 4th of July parade this year

This summer's 4th of July Parade in Barrington will feature a food drive to benefit two local food pantries.

Parade attendees are asked to bring nonperishable food and cleaning items to the parade to be donated to neighbors in need. Donation bags and lists of needed items will be available in late June at both the Barrington Farmers Market as well as at Cruise Night. Attendees may also bring items loose or in their own bags.

Volunteers at the beginning of the parade will be collecting items in shopping carts and delivering them to the Barrington Area Food Pantry and the Cuba Township Food Pantry. Donation bags and shopping carts for collection are being provided by Heinen's Fine Foods.

The parade steps off at 10 a.m. Monday, July 4, from Barrington High School and will run along Main Street, ending at the train station. Entries will be judged for awards in the following categories: Grand Prize, for the best overall parade entry; Village President's Award, for the best depiction of the parade theme "The Best of Barrington - A Community Celebration;" and Spirit of Barrington Award, for the entry which best shows dedication, originality, and community pride.

For more information, visit www.barringtonparade.com.