Mount Prospect cancels winter parade in money-saving move

The Mount Prospect Winter Festival Parade is another victim of the economy.

The decision to drop the traditional first Saturday in December event for at least one year will save the village $32,000 in expenses such as renting a tent and paying overtime for public safety and public works employees, said Mayor Irvana Wilks.

"I'm truly sorry for the kids, but I know their parents will completely understand," she said.

In a last-ditch effort to save the parade, the Mount Prospect Lions Club will donate about 10 percent of the cost and some people power if others will contribute enough to support the parade, said Ron Habel, president.

However, he said Monday that the state of the economy threatens success. The village needs a commitment by the end of the month, said Habel, and officials delayed making this decision hoping revenues would improve.

"We don't know what the outcry of the public will be. We've never really canceled anything in Mount Prospect," he said.

Rick Bowman at Ravenswood Bank, (847) 398-6100, is taking calls from people who can contribute, said Habel.

The village is cutting approximately $325,000 in expenditures between now and the end of the year, said Village Manager Mike Janonis.

"Staff has been diligently making cuts to the budget due to lower revenue projections, and we recently learned that we will be receiving even less revenue from the state yet this year, necessitating further cuts," he said.

The state's drops in revenue include sources like income tax, he said, and the village is trying to avoid cuts to core services.

This would have been the 10th annual parade, not counting one that was canceled because of impending bad weather.

The village announced the cancellation Monday, but a note was sent to past parade participants earlier.

The parade was traditionally part of a whole holiday kickoff weekend. Other events are still scheduled to go on, including a housewalk sponsored by the historical society and the annual Teddy Bear Walk at the library. Santa and Mrs. Claus also will make appearances.