Lisle parade not short on patriotic pizazz

The first thing to know about Lisle's Fourth of July parade is that the word "short" is not necessarily a bad thing.

When the procession steps off at 3:30 p.m. Friday, for example, it will go along Short Street through the Eyes to the Skies Festival grounds.

And, truth be told, the parade route is pretty short - stretching for only two blocks, "which everyone loves who actually marches in it," Eyes organizer Wayne Dunham says.

But that's where the "short" stuff ends.

Because, while the short parade route may go along Short Street, it also features 55 marching units that include an eclectic holiday assortment of bands, cheerleading groups, antique cars and Medinah Shriners riding all sorts of exotic devices.

Getting all those marching units down the two-block path takes anywhere from an hour to 90 minutes, Dunham says, and the ensuing party atmosphere really kicks off the Independence Day festivities that normally draw huge crowds to Community Park.

"This sort of marks the beginning of the Fourth of July period for us," he said.

Dunham says the crowds usually are five or six people deep along the route, with kids tending to migrate toward the front because "this is one of the few parades left where people can still throw candy."

One highlight is always the performance of the Lisle Community Band, which uses the occasion as sort of a coming-out party for its summer season.

This year's grand marshal is Dale Mackey, a Kiwanis Club member for more than 25 years who has provided "lots and lots of services" for the community, according to parade Chairman Bob Stewart.

One change this year that could cause a few frowns will be the absence of large village equipment - especially fire trucks - in the parade. Dunham says the bridge that takes marchers over the DuPage River is slated for repairs soon and simply can't safely hold the weight of those big rigs - although a couple paramedic units might be on hand.

But between the candy toss and all the other marching units, Dunham and Stewart say parade goers shouldn't be too disappointed.

And Lisle Park District residents will have something even more to smile about: they'll be admitted free to the festival grounds if they arrive before 3 p.m. Friday.

Lisle Fourth of July parade

When: 3:30 p.m. Friday

Where: Eyes to the Skies grounds, Short Street and Route 53, Lisle

Info: www.eyestotheskiesfestival.com