Getting candy not point of July 4 parade
We have attended Palatine's Fourth of July Hometown Parade for many years, and we are saddened to see what it has become. An Independence Day parade should be a patriotic event celebrating the anniversary of our Declaration of Independence while paying tribute to our servicemen and veterans along with police and firefighters. Instead, it has become a candy throwing orgy where parents and children bring plastic bags to fill with candy thrown by parade participants.
Last Saturday we saw several kids run into the parade route to pick up pieces of penny candy. This activity is encouraged by parents and grandparents. Also, how can you have a parade with little or no music? Where are our high school bands?
Parade organizers should revisit why we have Independence Day parades and eliminate the candy throwing and add some more marching bands. Then we will have something to be proud of.
Sarah Jane and Hal Dvorin
Palatine