Celebrating Freedom

By Mike Ellis

Thousands of area residents watched the return of the Hinsdale Fourth of July parade a day early on July 3. Until late this spring, the fate of the parade was uncertain, as the state only progressed to Phase 5 of the “Restore Illinois” plan last month. The parade consisted largely of familiar acts and faces, including Hinsdale village president Tom Cauley, Burr Ridge mayor Gary Grasso and DuPage County board member Greg Hart. The Hinsdale Central marching band and color guard delivered their first parade performance in nearly two years, followed by the Central and Hinsdale Falcons cheerleaders. The Medinah Shriners and trick bicyclists bedazzled spectators with their entertaining maneuvers and daring stunts, while Civil War re-enactors returned to startle the crowd with their buzzing cannon. Although the parade contained little of novelty, the environment felt fresh nevertheless, with families, friends and neighbors elated at the chance to gather again on the Fourth of July.

*Photo by Mike Ellis