Founder's Day fest a hit in Addison

Joe Cicero of Addison has been staking out seats along Lake Street to watch village parades for pretty much his whole life.

Sunday afternoon, he decided to give his son Steven, 1, an early start at a similar routine.

"It's his first parade," Cicero said. "It's nice for the kids, and it's a nice day out."

The village of Addison hosted its first Founder's Day Parade on Sunday in conjunction with its annual Fall Festival. Previously, the village held its annual parade during Community Days in August, but organizers decided to shake things up a bit this year with hopes of cooler weather in October.

Although they got unusual mid-80s temperatures, residents still were happy.

Nika Longo, 13, of Addison made her way over to the parade barefoot to support her friends and sisters who were marching in the event.

"I've been coming here ever since I was little," she said. "It's fun to watch everyone, and it shows you what Addison's all about."

Her friend Natalie Ristich, 13, of Addison agreed.

"We know most everybody that's in it," she said.

Men with the West Suburban Shrine Club 57 Chevy's had quite the fan club lined up in lawn seats.

Mary Condie of Glen Ellyn was looking forward to her husband's appearance in a tiny, tiny car.

She's been coming to Addison's annual parades since they originated.

"We enjoy just seeing the whole parade," she said. "It's a well-maintained parade, and the people are nice."