Elk Grove Village goes 'under the big top'

This year's paradegoers took the "Under the Big Top" theme of the 2014 Elk Grove Hometown Parade to heart.

There were clowns, balloons, bands and even the Shriners.

The 2014 Elk Grove Hometown Parade, which started Saturday afternoon at Tonne Road and Elk Grove Boulevard and snaked its way to the RotaryFest grounds at Lions Park, kicked off earlier this year than any other. The parade time was switched from about 6 p.m. to 2 p.m. in order to attract a bigger crowd, Mayor Craig Johnson said.

"We're excited. We have a beautiful day, beautiful weather and expect to have great crowds. It's a great way to start summer off," Johnson said.

Barry Wood of Zion, a band member of Chuck-A-Roo & The Fabulous Memories, was putting on the final touches of his clown suit along with the other band members moments before the start of the parade.

"It's fun, a good time, a break from what's normal," Wood said of his day of clowning around in Elk Grove Village.

Fred Geinosky, a plan commission member for 35 years and active volunteer in many causes who has donated about 350 units of blood and platelets, is grand marshal this year.

RotaryFest continues Sunday.