Lake Bluff's 103rd 4th parade on this nation's 237th birthday!

Lake Bluff celebrated this nation's 237th birthday since the singing of he Declaration of Independence in 1776,  pronouncing why the political bands that tied the thirteen colonies to great Britain had to be dissolved, with its own 103rd Lake Bluff parade on a picture perfect day, both weather-wise and temperature-wise.

Each 4th of July the Village of Lake Bluff swells in population from 6,000 inhabitants to around 20,000 to 25,000 when outsiders stream into Lake Bluff to watch what has marked Lake Bluff as the little village that knows how to celebrate in a big way.  Looking down Scranton Avenue in Lake Bluff, a sea of red, while and blue could be seen  as visitors and Lake Bluffers alike lined the street appropriately dressed in patriotic garb to honor the day.

The theme of this year's parade was Let Patriotism Grow.  Joanne Rolek, head of the Lake Forest-Lake Bluff Chamber of Commerce, was the Mater of Ceremonies.

The Review Officer was Colonel Neal F. McIntyee, U.S. Army Commander, Eastern Sector, U.S. Military entrance Processing Command. 

Opening Ceremonies featured an Invocation by David Aslesen, Pastor of Grace United Methodist Church in Lake Bluff, who ended his prayer with a "Thanks be to God," followed by "God Bless America."

Following the Invocation a trio of young people offered a beautiful a cappella vocal rendition of our National Anthem.

As Master of Ceremonies Joanna Rolek shared some not-to-be-missed coming attractions in Lake Bluff, reminding the assembled parade watchers of the Lake Bluff Farmers' Market that takes place every Friday morning on the Village Green from 7 a.m. to 12 noon.  Notable, now in its 20th year, the Lake Bluff Farmers' Market was chosen as this year's Parade Marshall.

Joanna Rolek told her audience to mark their calendars for a July 20 event:  a block party that will take place following the scheduled same day bike race, at which local restaurant will offer a "Taste of Lake Bluff."    At the block party 26 Adirondack chairs will be up for bid as tax free donations.  Twenty-six talented local artist are now painting these chairs which will be displayed around Lake Bluff prior to the July 20 block party, not unlike Chicago's "Cows on Parade" of some years ago.  Money realized will go to improve Sunrise Beach in Lake Bluff. 

Closer at hand was a reminder of Lake Bluff's annual sidewalk sale on Saturday, July 13th.

Ms. Rolek had words of thanks for the many who had a hand in the success of Lake Bluff's 103rd parade, with special thanks extended to the fifteen members of the 4th of July Committee whose work continues year around and who picked up the reins from the American Legion.   Terry Lesser was signaled out for her excellent work in running of Lake Bluff 4th parade, as was  Deb Dintruff for her role as president of the Lake Bluff 4th of July Committee.

Major sponsors of the parade included:

• The Lake Bluff Fire Department.
• Chief Galligher and the police staff.
• American Legion Post 510.
• Village of Lake Bluff
• Kathy O'Hara
  
• Kiwanis Club.
• Boy Scout Troop 142.
• 300 family and individual contributors.
• 9 major sponsors.
• Advertisers.

Finally it was parade time.  Filled with enthusiasm and sporting decorated trikes, bikes and wagon, the patiently waiting children made their way down Scranton Avenue, many under the watchful eye of their parents.  

High above the crowd recording the parade was Channel 19.  The full parade video will be up shortly at Channel 19 in case you missed the parade or would like to have another bite at the apple to see what you might have missed.

SLIDE OF OF PHOTOS taken by Nancy Thorner