The many dimensions of diversity in Oak Park will be on display when the 10th annual July 4th parade steps off at 10 a.m., Sat., July 4 from Longfellow Park at Ridgeland Avenue and Adams Street.
This year’s route will be about two blocks shorter due to construction on Ridgeland Avenue between Chicago Avenue and Augusta Street, where sewers — some dating back to the 1890s — are being replaced.
As in past years, the parade will march north on Ridgeland, but this year it will end near Chicago Avenue. Check for updates to the route at www.oak-park.us as the date of the parade nears.
The route will offer many viewing opportunities along the way. Residents typically bring chairs and blankets to sit on the parkways and curbs as they enjoy the old-fashioned, small-town display that suggests simpler times in the nation’s history.
More than 80 groups participated in the parade last year, including social and special interest groups, community groups, athletic teams, politicians, businesses, service organizations, children’s groups, animal lovers with their pets and musical groups.
This year’s event is expected to be even bigger. Some participants will bring floats and drive vintage cars. Others will play music, carry banners, ride decorated bicycles and skate. Most will dress up in all manner of red, white and blue to commemorate the nation’s birthday and to celebrate Oak Park’s rich diversity.
Of course, the Police and Fire Departments will be part of the parade, too, with vehicle lights flashing and sirens.
The parade also will feature the award-winning Freedom Marching Band, an ensemble that evolved from the original Chicago Gay Pride Band formed in 1979 as one of the first LGBT bands of its kind.
A fireworks display organized by the local nonprofit Great American Light Show Association (GALA) typically begins at dusk in the football stadium of Oak Park and River Forest High School, near East Avenue and Lake Street. Check www.oak-park.us/calendar for any schedule changes.
The parade is organized by the citizen volunteers of the Community Relations Commission. For more information or to volunteer to help out at the parade, call 708.358.5407 or email community@oak-park.us.