News

'Dad Vader' surprises Arlington Heights girl on her birthday

Posted April 15, 2020 1:00 am

Joe Lewnard

"Darth Vader" Eric Carr greets his daughter Bianca, 4, after her birthday parade Wednesday in Arlington Heights. With them are mom Jennifer and sister Marissa, 7. Joe Lewnard/jlewnard@dailyherald.com

"Star Wars" fan Bianca Carr received a big surprise on her fourth birthday when Darth Vader made an appearance at a parade in front of her home Wednesday in Arlington Heights.

Her dad, Eric, made it home from work just in time to dress up as the movie villain and bring up the rear of a parade consisting of more than a dozen cars with family members and friends inside, as well as two Arlington Heights police vehicles.

"She's a big fan of Darth Vader, and he was supposed to be at work," said Jennifer Carr, Bianca's mom. "She didn't know he was going to be here."

Bianca's sister, Marissa, 7, knew that it was their dad under the costume. It wasn't until Eric unmasked that Bianca realized it was indeed her dad.

"She loves the villains," Jennifer said.

Shortly afterward, Bianca and Darth Vader engaged in a mock battle with foam-covered light sabers.

The family's birthday celebration included a "Star Wars" cake.

Bianca Carr, 4, front, watches her birthday parade with her sister, Marissa, 7, Wednesday in Arlington Heights. Joe Lewnard/jlewnard@dailyherald.com

"Darth Vader" Eric Carr unmasks as he greets his daughter Bianca, 4, after her birthday parade Wednesday in Arlington Heights. Bianca is being held by her mom, Jennifer. Joe Lewnard/jlewnard@dailyherald.com

"Darth Vader" Eric Carr greets his 4-year-old daughter, Bianca, during a birthday parade in Arlington Heights Wednesday. Joe Lewnard/jlewnard@dailyherald.com

Maureen Kotlow drives as Bill and Judy Kotlow, all of Wood Dale, participate in a birthday parade for 4-year-old Bianca Carr on Wednesday in Arlington Heights. Maureen is Bianca's aunt, and Bill and Judy are her grandparents. Joe Lewnard/jlewnard@dailyherald.com

Article Comments

Article Categories
Arlington Heights Communities Coronavirus Health Crises News

Article Comments

Guidelines: Keep it civil and on topic; no profanity, vulgarity, slurs or personal attacks. People who harass others or joke about tragedies will be blocked. If a comment violates these standards or our terms of service, click the "flag" link in the lower-right corner of the comment box. To find our more, read our FAQ.