Hanover Park's 50th anniversary parade
At Saturday's 50th anniversary parade in Hanover Park, there nearly were more kids marching, than watching from the sidelines.
Take the Hanover Park Hurricanes. Between its youth football and cheerleading program, nearly 300 youngsters marched with their teams and coaches. Behind them, more children marched with Little League clubs, martial arts schools, dance groups, Scout troops, preschools, and swim teams.
"That was our vision," said Hahnz Teope, parade chairman. "We thought, 'Wouldn't it be nice if every kid in Hanover Park marched with their team or organization.' And if they're not marching, then they have plenty of options to choose from, to get involved."
The 30-minute parade ended up at Community Park, at Maple and Church streets, where the village's 50th anniversary Family Fest continues through today.
Carnival rides open at 1 p.m. and include a special $16 wrist band until 5:20 p.m., with main stage entertainment, food and beer garden lasting until 8:30 p.m. Admission is free.
The parade featured more than 50 units in all, including Skates, the Chicago Wolves mascot, members of the Chicago Storm indoor soccer team, and a variety of musical groups.
Members of the Streamwood High School marching band stepped off playing the Monkees' hit, "Day Dream Believer," while more than 280 members of Schaumburg High School's Saxon Marching Band played the traditional John Philip Sousa arrangement of "Stars and Stripes Forever."
"We've been practicing our parade show at band camp, but this is our first real parade this year, and we're ready to go," junior drum major Zach Steinbach said of his band, which included 83 incoming freshmen marching in their first parade.
Mary Ann Bilski, a retired teacher from Hanover Highland School, shared grand marshal honors with Deb McDonald, of Hanover Park, whose son, Javaun, passed away one year ago after an accident.
Wearing her son's Hanover Hurricanes football jersey, McDonald praised village leaders for highlighting the positive activities for young people in the community.
"All my children played with the Hurricanes," McDonald said. "It gave them a wonderful foundation, while building their confidence and boosting their self esteem. And yet a lot of children don't have this."
Village President Rodney Craig said the parade fit in with his goal of unifying the community.
"We've got a really young community, and yet with seven school districts and no high school in the village, we're looking for ways to come together," Craig said. "This is one way for us to look ahead and stay progressive about our future."