Itasca sets Guinness record with car 'parade'

A typical parade this was not.

Nearly 340 motorists took to the streets of Itasca on Saturday morning in a milelong procession that set a Guinness world record as part of Itasca Fest.

The Itasca police department and Subaru of America Inc. Great Lakes Region teamed up for the morning tour along sections of Thorndale Avenue, Irving Park Road and Prospect Avenue.

Guinness World Records adjudicator Carlos MartÈ­nez certified the accomplishment. The parade also raised money for charity, supporting both Pets are Worth Saving, or PAWS Chicago, which Subaru routinely supports, and Salute Inc. of Prospect Heights, which helps military personnel and their families and is regularly supported by Itasca police. Subaru's Great Lakes Region pledged to donate $15 per car.

Like many of the drivers who participated, Tristan Porras of Zion learned about the town's attempt to break into the Guinness Book of village's efforts through a Subaru car enthusiasts Web site.

"It's no different from any other parade," Porras said as he sat in his Impreza near Irving Park Road and Prospect waiting for the motorcade to start moving.

But to the few pedestrians and many of the motorists backed up along Irving Park Road honking their horns, Saturday's record-setting effort seemed like little more than an irritant and a huge traffic jam.

"I think this is crazy and a complete waste of taxpayer dollars," said Hector Calderon, who walked outside of his house along Prospect to check out the cars waiting to move.

"People will do anything to get in the papers."

But spectator Hector Perez of Roselle said he wished the event "was a little bit more than just a long line of cars driving down the street," but said it was a "neat attempt."