Rosemont’s village picnic brings out hometown values

Rosemont’s hometown spirit came out Sunday at its annual village picnic.

The village may best known for its convention center and arena, but deep down, it’s a close-knit small town.

The celebration began on a solemn note as residents gathered at Margaret J. Lange Park for the Tree of Life ceremony. The memorial, established in 1996, honors the memory of 40 young people who have passed away in Rosemont before reaching age 30.

Sunny Coronado, who worked at Rosemont Elementary School for many years, knew many of the children personally.

“This is a small community who loves each other, and we know each other. It's just a close community,” she said.

Following the ceremony, residential streets came alive for a parade led by police and fire vehicles and music from The Rosemont Cavaliers Drum and Bugle Corps.

Among those watching from their front yard was retired Rosemont Public Safety Department commander John Hansen and his wife, Lori. She said it’s the small-town feeling that makes the annual picnic and parade special.

“It just gives you goose bumps when you hear the band come down near your front lawn,” she said.

In the middle of the parade rode the man residents call “Mayor Brad.”

“This is just a great event for everybody to come out and enjoy,” Mayor Brad Stephens said. “The last couple of years we have done this little parade, and I think that’s great for community unity.”

Following the parade, residents enjoyed the picnic, filling themselves with hot dogs, snow cones and popcorn.