The annual Gurnee Days Parade went on as scheduled on Sunday despite a downpour that drenched many in attendance.
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Rain started trickling about 20 minutes into the midday parade, and was hit or miss after that with varying intensity, as it proceeded on its regular route of Old Grand Avenue along Viking Park, where Gurnee Days was held over the weekend.
Gurnee Days, as an event, was launched in 1973. The parade typically draws as many as 4,000 spectators.
This year, there were 50 parade entries. Amid the rain, Gurnee royalty closed its red convertible top right after making it through a rain-free underpass. Spectators pulled out umbrellas or left early. Many people stood under canopies to beat the heat and rain.
For Jeff Callaghan of Gurnee, a blue folding chair doubled as a repurposed head covering during the downpour.
“I don’t think it’s doing much,” he said. “Things keep on going in the rain.”
It was not raining when the parade made it to the Viking Park vicinity with the Gurnee Fire Honor Guard fronting the procession. The guard’s American and Illinois flags dramatically unfurled in the breeze as the storm approached.
Martha Welton-Schmidt, the parade grand marshal, and Gurnee elected officials also stayed dry, being at the front of the parade.
Welton-Schmidt, “comes from a family that is deeply rooted in the community of Gurnee and has a legacy of significant community service,” according to the Gurnee Park District website. “Her parents, Art and Mary Welton, were Gurnee Days Honorees in 1981 because of their long-standing community service.
“She met her husband Marvin Schmidt while ‘Scooping the Loop’ in Waukegan, and they were married in 1967,” it said. “She currently helps with the annual Thanksgiving dinner for sailors from Great Lakes, senior luncheons, funeral meals and many other behind-the-scenes activities. Ask her family, friends, and neighbors and they will tell you that Martha serves in many quiet and humble ways.”
On the parade route, she said, “It’s such a thrill. I’m just so pleased and grateful with all the kindness that has been shown.”
While traveling the parade route, Mayor and Village President Thomas B. Hood said, “This is a great opportunity to be among the residents and a great day for Gurnee Days.”
Stephanie Fitzgerald of Gurnee, who was at the parade with daughter Bayler, 10, said, ”I’m really happy we can be here. I think it’s great to bring the people together as a group and a community and have them celebrate. I think it’s nice.”