One year after being abruptly canceled in the aftermath of the deadly shooting during the Highland Park parade on July 4, Northbrook’s Fourth of July parade returned with added security measures and a remembrance of the 2022 victims.
Northbrook Village President Kathryn L. Ciesla rode on the top of a fire truck with family and trustees under sunny skies during the parade. Earlier that Tuesday, Ciesla was among elected officials and dignitaries who attended July 4 events in Highland Park, which included a morning remembrance ceremony and community walk.
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Seven people were killed and many injured during the Highland Park shooting. The seven victims were Katie Goldstein of Highland Park, Irina McCarthy of Highland Park, Kevin Michael McCarthy of Highland Park, Stephen Straus of Highland Park, Jacki Lovi Sundheim of Highland Park, Nicolás Toledo of Morelos, Mexico and Eduardo Uvaldo of Waukegan.
“I know Fourth of July is going to look different this year. I have a lot of mixed feelings about it but obviously safety is the biggest priority,’ Ciesla said. “But Fourth of July is special to me, it was actually the first event I went to in Northbrook when I was probably 6 or 7 (years old) … my mom and dad brought us for the parade and so I absolutely love it.”
U.S. Rep. Brad Schneider, D-Deerfield, also attended Highland Park’s July 4 events before greeting spectators at the Northbrook parade.
“This is my fifth gathering of the day and it’s important. Every July 4 we all gather as communities to celebrate what it means to be American,” Schneider said.
“But today … I think it was particularly important that everyone came together to remember and grieve those who were murdered, to pray for the full recovery of those who were wounded but to say as a community, we stand united and we’re resilient and we carry forward,” Schneider said. “And Highland Park is going to stay strong, Northbrook is strong, all our communities are strong.”
The parade route was shorter than the usual mile-long route, but was held at the typical 2:30 p.m. start time.
‘Everyone’s very happy,” said Northbrook Chief of Police Christopher Kennedy. “And it’s our goal to ensure it maintains that.”
This year’s Fourth of July celebration for Northbrook was planned by the Northbrook Park District and the Village of Northbrook with a route that ran past Westmoor School east along Cherry Lane to Cedar Lane, ending at Village Hall.
Northbrook Park District Executive Director Molly Hamer also walked the parade route where more than 40 registered parade entries made an appearance.
“I always look forward to seeing people donned in their red, white and blue, ready to celebrate Independence Day here in Northbrook,” Hamer said. “July Fourth is a festive holiday and parades offer good old fashioned fun.”
This was the 10th year that agencies collaborated on Northbrook July 4 events.
“The 4th of July Committee, comprised of staff from both the Park District and the village, works hard each year to organize a patriotic event that will bring the community together,” Hamer said.
The 2023 parade Grand Marshal was the Northbrook Historical Society. The Northbrook Historical Society was organized in December 1973 and is celebrating its 50th anniversary this year.
Northbrook Historical Society President Judy Hughes of Northbrook was among parade entry passengers motoring the route and was delighted for the society’s “50 years,” Hughes said with a smile.
“It’s wonderful.”
Karie Angell Luc is a freelance reporter for Pioneer Press.