For many of those attending the 2024 Lake Forest Day parade, it was a familiar ritual of pomp and circumstance. Yet for Lyn Kruecke, the spectacle was something new.
Kruecke, of Oklahoma City, joined many others observing the Aug. 7 parade, which is a centerpiece of Lake Forest Day.
“It’s a wonderful hometown experience,” marveled Kruecke, who was in town with her husband attending a Lake Forest High School reunion. “It’s very charming, with all the local businesses and the community coming together. It’s something you don’t see very often.”
This year marked the 116th Lake Forest Day – which is actually a two-day celebration – sponsored by American Legion McKinlock Post 264. On Aug. 6 and 7, people could go for a ride at a carnival at West Park and, before the parade, there was a 5K fun run at Deerpath Community Park.
This year, more than 80 organizations participated in the parade, according to Post 264 officials.
Under ideal weather conditions, American Legion Post Commander Jim Holmes and Lake Forest Mayor Stanford “Randy” Tack offered some welcoming remarks, and then it was time for the marching. Onlookers saw school groups, past and present elected officials, drill teams, vintage cars and brass bands, among others, heading north on Western Avenue performing, waving and handing out candy to some happy children.
Post 264 representatives believe attendance doubled this year, as people may have been more comfortable attending one year farther away from the mass shooting at the 2022 July 4th parade in Highland Park.
Still, police were present up and down the route.
”Since Highland Park, we have had a heightened sense of safety assessments with using our drones and our other technology to constantly monitor the parade and the (carnival),” Deputy Police Chief Kevin Zelk said.
He did not disclose the police presence of officers on hand which also included representatives of other law enforcement agencies.
“Let’s put it this way, no one is allowed off,” he said. “We make sure this is heavily attended by all of our officers.”
Along Western Avenue, several people mentioned why they attend every year.
“The parade represents Lake Forest, with all of its groups,” Marlene Koe said. “I love being with the community. There are generations of people who keep coming.”
“It’s fun for all the kids, and we see all the community partners that we visit,” added Julie Diamond.
Like Diamond, Elvira Wohlers came with her family.
“I like the old-time vehicles and the military people, and I like to see good friends,” Wohlers said.
Offering a newcomer perspective was Weston Andrews as he and his wife, Lauren, moved to Lake Forest in September from Jacksonville, Florida, with their son, Grey.
“It’s nice to have a small-town feel,” he said. “People seem very passionate about this town.”
After the festivities wound down, Therese Weatherall said she loved the 2024 celebration.
“The atmosphere could not have been better, and the children get a lot of candy,” she said. “A testament to a great city.”
