Budget cuts shouldn't dim Carol Stream parade

Left in a bind with reduced funding from the village of Carol Stream, Fourth of July Parade Committee Chairwoman Kim Gieser turned to the community for help. And thanks to many area businesses, the show will go on.

"The budget was cut dramatically as part of cost savings for the village," Gieser said. "But our goal is to give residents a parade that is a quality parade that they will enjoy."

To do so, Gieser coordinated fundraisers at several Carol Stream restaurants, with proceeds of sales during specific time frames going to the committee. As a result, the Independence Day Parade will step off at 10 a.m. Saturday, July 3, from the corner of County Farm and Lies roads and make its way east past Kuhn Road to end at Ross Ferraro Town Center.

Gieser said fundraisers go on throughout the year and without them, the parade would not be possible.

"It's so important," she said. "The fundraisers have been such a great support. They've been absolutely terrific."

At one time faced with a $2.69 million budget deficit, village officials worked to close the gap and the measures included the elimination of or a reduction in funding of most festivals and concerts in the city.

Instead of the usual contribution of about $16,000, the village provided about $10,000, which included $3,200 in resident donations through their water bills. The parade normally costs between $16,000 and $20,000 to put on.

Gieser said some of the entertainers - including the Jesse White Tumblers, the Banjo Buddies Dixieland Band and Shriner Cruisin' Coolers - reduced their fees to help.

As a result, the parade's price tag this year stayed around $13,000.

"When I see the kids and see them have such a great time, it's great," Gieser said. "Just to see the excitement on the kids' faces, that's just building memories."