Glen Ellyn Park District selected as Fourth of July Parade grand marshal

The Glen Ellyn Park District has been selected by organizers as the grand marshal for this year's Fourth of July Parade in honor of its 100th anniversary.

The parade steps off at noon Thursday, July 4, in downtown Glen Ellyn.

"Nearly everyone who has lived within Glen Ellyn during the past 100 years has experienced a park district program, event or park at some time," said Dave Harris, executive director for the Glen Ellyn Park District. "We're proud to have been selected by the 4th of July Committee in recognition of our 100-year anniversary and contributions to the quality of life within the community."

The Glen Ellyn Park District has a long history of helping plan, organize and implement activities to make Glen Ellyn's July Fourth celebrations one of the most memorable in the Chicago area. Records can be found as early as 1929 inviting the public to Lake Ellyn Park to celebrate the holiday.

In addition to having a float in the parade each year, the park district offers a full day of activities including the Freedom Four 4-Mile Run in the morning and afternoon festivities from 1 to 4 p.m. following the parade.

The park district also provides Lake Ellyn Park as the primary spectator area for the Glen Ellyn 4th of July Committee's fireworks show and hosts the annual Lake Ellyn Cardboard Regatta on the Saturday proceeding Independence Day.

"The park district will be inviting current and past elected park district commissioners to help lead the parade, as well as, continuing the tradition of have several youth athletic programs march," Harris said.

For parade details, visit the Glen Ellyn 4th of July Committee's website at www.glenellyn4thofjuly.org.

For more information on the Glen Ellyn Park District, visitgepark.org.