W. Chicago's Railroad Days Parade moved up

Due to summer constructions projects, the date for this year's Railroad Days Parade has been changed to coordinate with the Hello Summer Celebration at The Shell at Reed-Keppler Park.

The theme for this year's parade is "Metamorphosis."

The 2019 Railroad Days Parade will step off at 3 p.m. on Saturday, June 8, with lineup at 2 p.m. The lineup and route remain the same. The parade will start at Ingalton Avenue and Wendall Street, heading south on Ingalton, west on Washington Street, and north on Arbor Avenue.

After the parade, head to The Shell at Reed-Keppler Park on Arbor Avenue for Hello Summer at The Shell, hosted by the West Chicago Park District. It will begin at 4:30 p.m. with music from Alibi, followed by a 6:15 p.m. show featuring Istvan and His Imaginary Band, and headliner Infinity, a Journey tribute band, at 7:15 p.m.

From 5 to 8 p.m., there will be a petting zoo, pony rides and a classic car "cruise night" show. Children's activities, including a face painter, a caricature artist and a balloon twister, will be offered from 6 to 8 p.m. The evening will end with fireworks.

The Shell will present concerts on six Wednesdays throughout the season, each slated from 7 to 8:30 p.m.

Later in the summer, Railroad Days returns with four days of family entertainment, including bands, a 5K run/walk, a carnival, and fireworks Thursday to Sunday, July 11-14.