The organizers of the annual Northbrook Fourth of July Parade are looking for people and organizations who want to be rewarded with children’s smiles, contribute to the spirit of patriotism, and make connections within the community.
According to a news release, participating in the parade accomplishes all that, and more, participants say.
The release said Gene’s Village Towing in Wheeling participates in three or four Fourth of July parades across the suburbs annually, including the one in Northbrook, said Joey Pascucci, who owns the business with his father, Joe Pascucci.
“Northbrook is definitely one of the largest parades that we do. It is definitely well-organized, and it definitely flows,” he said. “I love doing it. I devote my time every single year to the Fourth of July, even if it’s a day off. My wife and kids a lot of times will ride with me, and we make it a family affair.”
The company provides emergency first responder towing, and in the past has promoted slogans like “Don’t drink and drive,” “Don’t text and drive” and “Drive hammered, get nailed,” Pascucci said. This year, in the spirit of unity, he plans to hang a massive American flag from the back of his truck, he said.
Northbrook Independence Day events are organized by the Northbrook 4th of July Committee and comprise staff members from the Village of Northbrook and the Northbrook Park District, the release said. This summer marks the 11th year the agencies are working together to coordinate the festivities, with a focus on fun and safety.
Taking part in parades forges bonds with the community, said Angie Gonzalez, client relations manager for Advanced Tree Care in Lincolnshire. The company juggles about six parades across the suburbs, including the one in Northbrook, which she described as “nice and organized.”
“I think it’s very important for businesses because sometimes the community doesn’t realize the services that are available for them, and that you can get things done with small businesses and family businesses,” she said in the release. “When you give them the pamphlets and the candy, that’s creating a bond. It’s more likely for them to call you to get something done.”
John Drengenberg, parade chairman for the Illinois region of the Model A Restorers Club’s Illinois region, said the group participates in as many as six parades across the suburbs throughout the day.
“The sign-up sheet for Northbrook gets filled up pretty quickly,” he said in the release. “I live in Northbrook, so I am a little bit biased, but the people are very nice. They wave, they smile, and I wave back at them. And even if driving, I make sure I have a little tiny flag, too.”
The four-cylinder Ford Model A was produced between 1927 and 1931, according to the release. Most models have four doors, but Dregenberg’s — a green beauty you might have seen roaming around town on sunny days — is a two-door coupe with a rumble seat.
The best part of taking part in parades? Getting to sound the Ford Model A’s distinctive “ah-ooga” horn, Dregenberg said. “The kids love it. They are sitting on the curb, waiving their flags and smiling, and put their hand up and do the ‘pull down’ train sign,” he said. “Some of the older people love it too!”
According to the release, the Northbrook 4th of July parade steps off at 4 p.m. July 4 just west of Westmoor School, 2500 Cherry Lane, and ends at Village Hall, 1225 Cedar Lane. There will be accessible parking at the Northbrook United Methodist Church, with restrooms available at Westmoor School and portable restrooms on Cedar Lane.
Businesses, organizations, nonprofits, and community groups, including sports and youth clubs, are encouraged to apply to participate in the parade, the release said.
Application fees for parade entries are $50 for businesses and commercial entities, $50 for political candidates and elected officials, and $25 for nonprofits and community organizations, the release said. The deadline for entries is June 17. Sponsorship packages are also available, providing additional marketing exposure both before and during the parade.
The Northbrook 4th of July festivities will begin with the annual Liberty Loop & Lap (5K Run/Walk at 7:30 a.m., Fun Run at 8:30 a.m.) at Techny Prairie Park and Fields.
After the parade, people can enjoy DJ entertainment at the Ed Rudolph Velodrome starting at 7 p.m., followed by fireworks at dusk that can be best viewed from Meadowhill Park and Techny Prairie Park and Fields, the release said. Hot dogs, chips, and beverages will also be available for purchase from the Rotary Club of Northbrook. Eventgoers can bring chairs, blankets, food and nonalcoholic beverages.
For more information about the Fourth of July parade and to apply to participate, visit northbrook4thofjuly.
