Special Events: July 4th Celebration

Happy Independence Day!

July 4, 2009 was a day to remember in Des Plaines. The traditional parade kicked off at 10:00 am from Center and Oakton Street and concluded in the downtown area. Thousands of residents and visitors gathered along the parade route. Immediately following, the Historical Society hosted their traditional Ice Cream Social at the Fisher Wright House, 815 Center Street. Later in the afternoon the grounds opened at Oakton Community College where the Fireworks were launched at 9:30 pm. Thousands attended the event presented by the Des Plaines Special Events Commission. The July 4th events are coordinated by Special Events Commissioner Carol Shannon. The Special Events Commission is comprised of volunteers appointed by the Mayor and City Council.

(pictured are photos from the day)

Ron Schaefer, a member of VFW Post 2992, rides Chewey, his horse, and presents the American flag as the local Des Plaines Veteran groups march behind him in the July 4^th Parade down Center Street. Chewey was a welcome addition to this year’s parade.

The Jesse White Tumblers were back by popular demand and Des Plaines was sooo happy to see them. Here they demonstrate their skills on the parade route on Center Street in Des Plaines.

Des Plaines Police Chief Jim Prandini marched in the parade and handed out candy with other members of his command staff. Police and Fire Department personnel, along with members of their families took part on this year’s parade, as they have traditionally.

Des Plaines City Officials welcome the crowd.

Mayor Martin J. Moylan raises a flag as he marches down the parade route. The Des Plaines City Clerk and Aldermen took part in the parade greeting residents as they went.

City Clerk Gloria Ludwig and husband Rich. (back left)
1st Ward Alderman Patricia Haugeberg

8th Ward Alderman Rosemary Argus

(back left to right) Aldermen Dan Wilson, Ward 7, Matt Bogusz, Ward 3, Jim Brookman, Ward 5, Mark Walsten, Ward 6, Pat Haugeberg, Ward 1, John Robinson, Ward 2, and Jean Higgason, Ward 4 along the parade route.

Members of the Des Plaines Park District’s Community Band perform during the parade.

Kiwanis Club representative Eldon Burk hands out peanuts along the route.

Girl Scouts and Brownies were happy participants in the 2009 parade that had the theme, "America’s Famous Firsts."

Des Plaines Maine West High School Cheerleaders were a welcome participant in the 2009 parade.

John Burke, President of the Historical Society’s Board of Trustee, drove a historic fire engine promoting the Des Plaines Fall Fest, which will be held September 25-27 at Lake Park. The event is being coordinated by the History Center, the Chamber of Commerce & Industry and the Des Plaines Park District.

Mayor’s Secretary Donna Catlett, Special Events Commissioner Tom Christiansen and Resident Heather Wallace officiated at the parade. Catlett and Christiansen announced the parade units and Wallace was one of the judges rating the parade units.

Keith Engstrom, who was involved at the St. Mary Church picnic along the parade route, poses with some "tasty morsels" and his trophies for some of his best barbeques! Keith heads up "Can’t Quit Smokin."

Visiting Des Plaines from California, Judy and son Peter Trost, enjoy July 4^th "Des Plaines style."

Local scouts proudly present a huge flag of the United States.

Des Plaines residents Claire, Miranda and Bob Sanks and pooch pose for a photograph at the July 4^th Parade.

Face painter Diane Hardy was featured at Oakton Community College prior to the fireworks show at 9:30 pm

The Water Rescue unit was one of several representatives of the Des Plaines Fire Department.

Willows Academy students marched proudly.

The Hap Holly Family

Sister Clare Marie and Jim Wozny, representing the Special Events Commission who coordinate the annual July 4^th event pose for a photo from their golf cart.

Citizens on Patrol (COPS) volunteers assist at the July 4^th events.

Jay Lewkowitz, Executive Director of Oakton Arms and Oakton Pavilion, hams it up on the July 4th float.

Des Plaines Police Officer John Gitzinger, Terry Shannon, July 4^th Event Volunteer, Elizabeth Maklim, Volunteer, Carol Shannon, July 4 Event Coordinator and Special Events Commission Member, Jacquelyn Ohlson, Media Services Crew, Will Soderberg, Media Services Specialist and Zachary Meincke, Media Services Crew, pose for a photograph at the grounds at Oakton Community College.

The historic Fisher-Wright House, 815 Center St., was the place to be after the parade for the Ice Cream Social. Above are a few familiar faces at the Des Plaines History Center and the Fisher Wright House. (left to right)Mike Skibbe, Historical Society Board Member, Susan Golland, Programs Manager, Jennifer Galida, Collections Manager, Joy Matthiessen, Executive Director and Marie Burke, Volunteer.

Des Plaines Marching Strings appeared for the first time in the 2009 July 4^th Parade.

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City of Des Plaines,  1420 Miner St.  Des Plaines, IL  60016  Phone: 847-391-5300         All information copyright 2010 Des Plaines, Illinois