With a new parade route this year, the Fourth of July parade in Glenview brought out throngs of spectators on a balmy morning under blue skies.
“The parade pulls together organizations, local businesses and communities to highlight Glenview while celebrating the holiday at the same time,” said Nick Moran, PR coordinator for the Glenview Park District. “Whether you’re on a float, riding in the bike parade or watching from the sidewalk, the parade is immersive, and invites you to appreciate everything Glenview has.”
The parade began with the children’s bike parade, which left at Glenview Community Church, 1000 Elm St., and traveled west to Glendale Road.
Children from preschool to 9 years of age were welcome to bring decorated bikes to take part in the tradition. Parents accompanied tots and snapped cell phone photos of their festive youngsters.
“I just like the Fourth of July,” said Madelaine Meyer, 9, a Glenview fourth-grader who was in the front line of the bike parade wearing a pink helmet. “I’ve been looking forward to the parade for about a week.”
The parade route was changed due to construction on Glenview and Harlem roads. This change was effective for 2017 only, and the parade will return to its traditional route in 2018.
“It’s exciting to see all of these people out here today,” said Glenview Village President Jim Patterson, who walked the parade route. “It’s terrific weather and people are really enjoying it, seeing the smiles on their faces, they’re really pleased to be out here today.”
About the parade route, Patterson noticed that the spectator space was compact. People were close to each other, giving the curbs a snug feel.
“It’s different,” Patterson said, with a laugh. “Good for one year.”
The Fourth of July Parade is co-organized by the Glenview Park District and the Village of Glenview. The parade had 78 entries, five of which were professional entertainment groups.
The parade grand marshal was James Shellard, who retired this past school year from Glenbrook South High School as assistant principal/ student activities.
“This feels like a farewell tour, I guess,” Shellard said, shortly before the parade began. “Glenview’s been such an incredible town.”
Shellard, now of Arlington Heights, raised his family in Glenview.
Of being selected as parade marshal: “It’s crazy, it’s crazy, I didn’t see that coming,” Shellard said.
Up next for Shellard is philanthropy and maybe foundation work.
“It was really nice to be honored,” Shellard said. “I feel very honored to be recognized in this way.”
Karie Angell Luc is a freelance reporter.
