Approximately 85 entries traveled south on Milwaukee Avenue during this year’s Libertyville Days Parade on Saturday, June 14.
The theme this year was “Aloha Summer ’25.” Hawaiian lei necklaces were abundant, along with grass skirts on parade floats. A grass skirt adorned the front of a Tesla Cybertruck, making the silver electric car look like it was wearing a mustache.
The weather was in the lower 60-degree range with overcast skies and no rain when the parade started promptly at 10 a.m.
“The Libertyville Days Festival and parade is the first of the summer in Lake County, thus ‘kicking off summer’ in Libertyville and the surrounding communities,” said Anne Carlino, executive director of the Libertyville Civic Center Foundation.
“Children get excited about collecting candy and other items that are distributed along the parade route by community organizations and businesses.“
Family entertainment, along with an arts and crafts fair, took place in Cook Park (which borders the parade route). Carnival rides, with an unlimited ride special, started immediately after the parade, Carlino indicated.
“This is the first summer family gathering in downtown Libertyville after the schools get out, so many people are still in town celebrating graduations, weddings, and other types of special events,” Carlino added.
“Former residents often attend the festival to spend time with family and friends.”
The color guard duty of the Libertyville VFW Post 8741 fronted the parade. The post’s color guard commander, Tony Kennedy of Libertyville, spent one year (1968 and 1969) in Vietnam serving in the United States Army.
“They’re my brothers,” Kennedy said about fellow soldiers. “It was an honor to serve.”
Libertyville Mayor Donna Johnson waved to spectators from a passenger seat window.
“It’s an absolute honor,” Johnson said about the privilege of being in the parade.
“This is a wonderful community to serve, we have a beautiful day and a beautiful community,” the mayor added with a smile.
Libertyville royalty 2025 also appeared in the parade with Audrey Byers, Campbell Ziemann, and Miss Libertyville 2025 Ashley Rojas.
Shortly before the parade, Rojas said, “We’re here for Libertyville.
“We want everyone to feel welcomed,” Rojas added. “We’re celebrating them.”
This year’s parade grand marshal was Brian Grano of Libertyville, owner of Mickey Finn’s Brewery of Libertyville and a member of the Libertyville Days Committee. Grano is also an active member of MainStreet Libertyville.
“It’s an honor being the grand marshal,” Grano said while riding in an open-air convertible with his wife, Jetta Grano.
“I’m thrilled,” the grand marshal said.
To the community, ”Thanks for all the support,” Brian Grano added. “I love it here.”
Karie Angell Luc isa freelancer for Pioneer Press.
