Glen Ellyn celebrates Fourth, 175th anniversary
It's a big celebration for Glen Ellyn this year. The town is recognizing its demisemiseptcentennial anniversary.
Bet you haven't heard that one before.
For those who aren't as literate in Latin roots, demisemiseptcentennial stands for "175th."
The historical society especially is taking advantage of the big celebration with a larger-than-life birthday cake that will be featured in the annual Glen Ellyn Fourth of July parade.
The cake float will include streamers shooting out of the candles and be led by Mary Todd and Abraham Lincoln, the 200-year-old birthday boy.
It took a "league of extraordinary float builders," as parade committee member Jean Jeske put it, to make the massive pastry.
Grace Lutheran Church is also celebrating its 100th anniversary and will be having 100 people walking in a crowd with grocery carts during the parade, collecting food for its pantry.
"People are encouraged to bring nonperishable goods," Jeske said.
Georgia Koch, who was recommended by numerous people, will serve as grand marshal of the parade.
"She has a fan club," Jeske said of the co-executive director of the Glen Ellyn Chamber of Commerce. "She's just beloved."
The Fourth of July will start with the Freedom Four Run at 8 a.m. Saturday at Glenbard West's Duchon Football Field.
The events will then move on to the parade, which starts at noon east of Glenbard West, at Crescent Boulevard and Lake Road. It'll go west on Crescent to Main Street, north to Linden Avenue and then east to Lake Ellyn.
The park district will have Lake Ellyn Park set up from 1:30 to 4:30 p.m. for music and dancing, as well as some games for children.
Fireworks will round out the day, starting at Lake Ellyn Park at dusk. Spots fill up quickly at the park, which opens at 6 a.m. to allow residents to lay down blankets.
Jeske said the Fourth of July committee worked hard this year not to cut back on any of the celebration. Even though the village contributed less than it normally does, the committee increased its fundraising to bring the same festivities that residents have come to expect.
"We depend on contributions from citizens, and they came through beautifully," Jeske said.
For more information on the Fourth of July events, visit glenellyn.org.
<p class="factboxheadblack">Events</p> <p class="News"><b>8 a.m.</b> Freedom Four Run race, beginning at 8 a.m. at Glenbard West's Duchon Field. Call the Glen Ellyn Park District at (630) 858-2462 to register. </p> <p class="News"><b>Noon</b> The Fourth of July parade will begin east of Glenbard West, at Crescent Boulevard and Lake Road. It will go west on Crescent to Main Street, north to Linden Avenue and then east to Lake Ellyn. </p> <p class="News"><b>1:30 to 4:30 p.m.</b> Afternoon festivities at Lake Ellyn are sponsored by the park district. They will include food, music and dancing. Participants can purchase a $2 wristband to join in. </p> <p class="News"><b>Dusk</b> Fireworks will be at Lake Ellyn Park. The park opens at 6 a.m. to allow residents to reserve spots with blankets. </p>