Rose Parade hits patriotic notes
The official calendar might not agree, but summer has arrived in Roselle.
Residents spent the weekend welcoming the season during the Roselle Lions Club Rose Fest, which is considered the community’s summer kickoff event. The event concluded Sunday with the 53rd annual Rose Parade.
The parade, a joint effort by the village and the Roselle Chamber of Commerce and Industry, marched down Roselle Road under sunny skies Sunday. The event had a patriotic theme this year. Members of local American Legion Post 1084 led things off, eliciting enthusiastic applause from the crowd. The chamber’s float was a red, white and blue tribute to those who’ve served our country in the armed forces.
The parade contained other elements, as well — the traditional fleet of police and fire vehicles; a visit from the village’s founder, Rosell Hough (who spells his name without an “e” on the end); the haunting sounds of the bagpipers from the Chicago Highlanders; and, of course, an appearance by 2012 Rose Queen Katie Ruby and her court.
The grand marshal of Sunday’s parade was Kristen Langner, the chamber’s 2011 Business Person of the Year. Langner, an optometrist, owns Langner Eye Care in town.
Families started setting up camp along Roselle Road well before the parade’s 2 p.m. start time, all so children would have excellent position to scoop up the many handfuls of candy thrown their way.
“The kids love it,” said resident Kevin Nowicki, who brought his two daughters, ages 6 and 8, to the parade. “They like the floats and everything, but I think the candy is the main attraction.”
Maureen Anderson said she likes the small-town feeling that the Rose Parade creates.
“It’s kind of a throwback, in a lot of ways,” she said. “We’re all busy with our very modern lives, but then we set aside time to have a community parade together. I like that.”
Rose Fest got under way Thursday, and it featured a carnival, live music, food vendors and games.
As always, the Lions Club plans to put the proceeds from the event toward the group’s charitable work.