Village and civic leaders say not only is pride for country on display when Oak Park holds its annual “Independence Day Parade,” but it is also a showcase of the diversity in the west suburb.
Scores of people watched as the annual parade stepped off July 4 from from Longfellow Park and rolled down Ridgeland Avenue to Augusta Street. The route ended near Whittier Elementary School on Harvey Avenue.
Area school marching bands, local dignitaries, athletic teams and social organizations were among the participants. Pets were also part of the revelry.
Park District of Oak Park’s float had a patriot theme as it rolled in the annual Independence Day Parade July 4, 2024, in Oak Park. (James C. Svehla/for Pioneer Press)Oak Park Art League was among the participating organizations in the Independence Day Parade July 4, 2024, in Oak Park. (James C. Svehla/for Pioneer Press)Lakeside Pride Marching Band performed in the annual Independence Day Parade July 4, 2024, in Oak Park. (James C. Svehla/for Pioneer Press)Sierra Sizer with her daughter Kaelynn Camp, 5, watched the annual Independence Day Parade July 4, 2024, in Oak Park. (James C. Svehla/for Pioneer Press)The Oak Park-Rive Forest High School track and field team marched in the Oak Park Independence Day Parade with the state trophy they won this past season. The parade was held July 4, 2024, in Oak Park. (James C. Svehla/for Pioneer Press)
