By PF Staff
info@purofutbolonline.com
Waukegan, IL. – Parade will return as an in-person experience on Sunday, July 3, 2022, starting at 1pm from Franklin Street and Sheridan Road, traveling north to Jack Benny Drive and Sheridan Road.
In honor of local first responders and frontline healthcare workers who have continued to serve the community during the pandemic, this year’s parade theme is “Hometown Heroes”. The Grand Marshal will be Vista Health System, a local healthcare provider with a network that includes Vista Medical Center East in Waukegan.
Local businesses and organizations are invited to participate in this community tradition with a parade entry. To participate in the parade, businesses and organizations must submit a completed application to Maria Owens at mowens@waukeganparks.org by Friday, June 3, 2022. Businesses and non-political organizations can participate for free. However, political organizations must pay a $100 fee to participate. Local businesses and organizations can also become sponsors of the parade. Additional information, including the parade application and sponsorship options, is available at waukeganparks.org/parade.
Due to the pandemic, the Waukegan Park District hosted virtual parades in 2020 and 2021. The
2020 Virtual American Independence Parade: Shoebox Edition, which reached over 18,000 people on Facebook and YouTube, was recognized with the 2020 Overall Outstanding Program & Special Event Award by the Illinois Park and Recreation Association.
Jacqueline Herrera Giron, President of the Waukegan Park District Board of Commissioners, stated, “The Waukegan Park District’s American Independence Parade is a long-standing tradition in our community.”
Jay Lerner, Executive Director of the Waukegan Park District, stated, “The Waukegan Park District is thrilled to host an in-person American Independence Parade again. This year’s parade will be bigger and better, with many creative entries from local businesses, organizations, and entertainment groups. We hope the community joins the celebration as we honor our hometown heroes.”