Lake Zurich Alpine Fest Parade makes long-awaited return

Enthusiastic crowds and picture-perfect weather greeted the long-awaited return of the Lake Zurich Alpine Fest Parade, held Sunday for the first time since 2019.

More than 30 entries marched in the parade, a highlight of the three-day Alpine Fest hosted by the Lake Zurich Lions Club.

Emceeing the event was Rob Rosenberg, a 30-year resident of Lake Zurich and a part of the Lions Club for two decades.

“One of the things that I’m most proud of, is that we’re in contact with guidance counselors from all the local schools and when they find a student that is in need of eyeglasses, can’t see well or can’t hear well, and it’s from a family that can’t afford new glasses, we provide them for free,” Rosenberg said. “It enables a student to have an education equal to somebody else so they don’t have to suffer.

“It’s why we do this,” Rosenberg said.

The parade grand marshal was Chuck Wendt, who served 21 years for the Lake Zurich Fire Department.

“Chuck loves helping others in any way that he can, especially when it comes to kids' birthday parties, parades, driving Santa around town or basically anything that has to do with driving the antique fire truck,” Rosenberg said.