In a swirl of bagpipes and bugles, marching bands and banners of red, white and blue, Winnetka’s Fourth of July parade returned Sunday.
“The Fourth of July Celebration is our largest annual event and while we weren’t able to do everything this year, it was important to revitalize our programming to make a lasting impact after the arduous 16-month pandemic waiting period,” said Toby Ross, Winnetka Park District recreation supervisor.
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Ross said this year’s event had only about half the normal activities.
“We canceled the events on the Green and the fireworks, but we added a 5K run to our morning schedule and kept our parade,” Ross said.
In 2020, a reverse parade called Fourth of July on Wheels was held.
This year’s parade was more traditional, traveling east down Maple Street to the Village Green.
One of the highlights, organizers said, was an appearance by Grand Marshal Glenn L. Felner, a World War II veteran who fought in the Battle of the Bulge. The parade also included the Cavaliers Drum and Bugle Corps, the Bill Porter Band, Jesse White Tumblers and representatives from the village, Park District and local area scout troops.
Laura Ahlering grew up in Winnetka and has memories of coming to the parade as a child.
“It’s special now for me to bring my own kids, so special in fact that we plan our calendar around it and will not be leaving on a summer trip until tomorrow, we just wouldn’t miss it,” Ahlering said.
Much of the Park District planning was delayed as long as possible because there was so much uncertainty about what the future was going to hold.
“Ultimately, the parade gives us an opportunity to celebrate our nation’s independence and to honor Grand Marshal Glenn Felner — he and other veterans and members of our military are the reason we are able celebrate our freedom today,” said John Peterson, Park District executive director said.
Gina Grillo is a freelance reporter.