Mundelein was among the Lake County communities whose Independence Day weekend parade wasn’t rained on or outright canceled.
The Sunday afternoon parade started at Mundelein High School under cloudy skies and mild temperatures.
Nearly 70 units participated in the parade as part of the Mundelein Community Days festival, which took place from Thursday through Sunday.
While there was no official grand marshal, Kelsey Howe, the village’s services manager, said, “We’re excited to have the Honor Guard and U.S. Navy Band (of Great Lakes) leading the parade.”
Howe spoke on behalf of the Mundelein Community Days Commission, which plans and organizes the festival and parade.
“Community Days is one of Mundelein’s favorite traditions and brings together residents, local businesses, community groups and visitors from across Lake County,” Howe said. “As we celebrate America’s 250th birthday, it’s a chance to reflect on our nation’s history while also celebrating the strong sense of community we have here in Mundelein.”
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Before the parade, in the staging area, was Tom Schweiger of Mundelein, who applied an American flag to the back of the car driven by Village Trustee Jennifer Grieco.
Schweiger made sure to respectfully attach the flag to ensure the fabric was securely held on the vehicle so it would not fall off.
“On the 250th anniversary of our country’s independence, it feels really good, very proud,” he said.
Among those fronting the parade was Mayor Robin D. Meier, who rode on a vintage fire truck.
“Happy celebration for 250,” Meier said while on the parade route.
A special moment occurred during the parade for the Campos family of Mundelein. On a float was Nicolas Campos Sr. of Mundelein, a veteran who served during the Vietnam War in the U.S. Army.
The parade started just a few houses from Campos’ home, which has a large American flag outside.
Once the float carrying Nicolas Campos Sr. crossed the parade start line by the Mundelein High School corner sign, his son Nicolas Campos Jr., also of Mundelein, stepped up to the float to greet his father and exchange a festive high-five.
“One of the best guys I know; my hero,” he said of his father.
To all serving the country, Nicolas Campos Jr., said as his voice cracked with emotion as his eyes began to water, “Thank you, everyone for your service, our freedom and the sacrifices they made.”
Many members of Lake County pageantry also made appearances, including members of the newly crowned 2026 Miss Mundelein royalty.
In their tiaras and riding in open convertibles were Miss Mundelein 2026 Kailiana Stanczak, 16, a rising Mundelein High School senior; Junior Miss Mundelein 2026 Sofia Cabachuela, 15, a rising Mundelein High School sophomore; and Little Miss Mundelein 2026 Charlotte Noyes, 8, a rising third-grader in a Vernon Hills school.
Stanczak said appearing in parades is “important because this is one of the first times our community gets to see us all together, and it’s a great way to just get ourselves out there. They can actually see our names on the sides of the cars, and it’s a great way to connect with new people.
“There are all the different Lake County queens here, and they’re all here helping support our parade, and we go and help support their parades as well,” she said. “So, not only is Mundelein a tight-knit community, but Lake County is also a tight-knit community.”
As the parade was about to begin, Jordan Rosenbloom, 6, of Mundelein, put his empty candy bucket on his head as a temporary hat. As the parade was winding down, Jordan’s bucket was filled with parade candy.
Jordan was on the parade route with his mother, Meredith, and grandmother Julie Tracey of Buffalo Grove. Spending time together with relatives is important to Jordan’s family, and the Mundelein Community Days annual parade is a tradition.
“It’s something I’ve done with my mother for years, and I wanted to share it with him,” she said.
Tracey said, “We want to pass our traditions down to them, so what better way to celebrate?”
Chris Woodard and spouse Susan Goedke of Mundelein, decorated their red convertible as they have done for years, appearing in Lake County parades.
Woodard and Goedke are founders of the Mundelein LGBT Alliance and Allies, and were both parade grand marshals in this year’s BG Pride Parade in Buffalo Grove on June 7.
Goedke said, “We love Lake County; we feel so welcomed.”
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Woodard, a retired Warren Township High School of Gurnee physical education teacher, said, “No matter what’s happening in the world, we can take care of each other right here in Mundelein. We’re out here showing our spirit with our community.”
“Lake County is probably one of the most inclusive places I’ve ever been,” Woodard added. “Everybody looks out for each other and we all take care of each other.”