Wednesday is the 4th of July, the day we honor hard-won freedom, sacrifice, and courage by hosting one of the most amazing parades on the North Shore. The Lake Bluff 4th of July Committee is excited to welcome all to the 108th Annual Lake Bluff Parade.
Granted, restraint may not top of mind. We will all be celebrating together, and while we are at it, let’s consider that we are the ambassadors of Lake Bluff and Lake Forest. The Lake Bluff 4th of July Committee would like to offer a few reminders to keep your celebration festive and safe:
Marking Your Territory
It’s a long shot, we know, but we ask that you please refrain from setting up camp until one day prior to the parade. Nothing is quite so off-putting as seeing a square block roped-off three days in advance of the parade. Kindly take only the space you need so that all may enjoy and view the parade.
The Parade
We are so fortunate to welcome a diverse collection of participants. Let’s encourage all marchers to return next year by showing our appreciation, as well as our respect and reverence when appropriate. Whether you stand, and place your hand over your heart, remove your hat, or cheer like mad, let our service men and women know they are appreciated. Our parade marshal this year is the Lake Bluff American Legion Post 510. These men and women are some of the few remaining veterans from an incredible time in American history. Let’s show all we will never forget their sacrifice or their service.
Youngsters
All that candy would make anyone crazy. Encourage your kids to stay put and stay safe. Running into the parade route to retrieve anything is strictly forbidden, and could end badly. A Tootsie Roll is NOT worth it. Marchers have been instructed to pass out goodies at the curbs. They will come to you.
Eat, Drink and Be Merry…
Where there is revelry, there will be trash. You make it, you keep it. Please prepare with garbage bags, or locate the public receptacles in advance, and make a pilgrimage to it at various intervals. Don’t turn Lake Bluff into a sea of red Solo cups. Kindly tidy-up before you leave.
And, speaking of celebrating … It’s a day to relax and enjoy, to celebrate our freedom and our town. Enjoy yourself, but switch to water if you have to. You’ll thank us later.
We are so fortunate to have so many families and businesses support us. Together, through donations of time or money, we all work to make the parade a success. You are the reason the parade happens, and we want to thank you for your continued generosity. Thank you and be safe! Happy 4th of July!
Patriotically,
The Lake Bluff 4th of July Committee
