The Elmwood Park Fourth of July parade meant a lot to Ronald Jurkowski.
Jurkowski, who grew up in Elmwood Park, said it was special because he is a Vietnam War veteran.
“I like the freedom of the United States,” he said. “We’re able to do what we want.”
Jurkowski attended the Fourth of July parade with his sister, Roxane Jurkowski.
“I’ve lived in Elmwood Park my whole life,” Roxane Jurkowski said. “We know a lot of people at the parade.”
Special events coordinator Jim Parenti said the Elmwood Park Fourth of July parade has been a tradition in the village for several years.
“The parade seems to be getting bigger and longer every year,” he said. “There are huge crowds.”
Ronald and Roxane Jurkowski were among hundreds of spectators. Parade participants watched as floats, cars and fire trucks threw candy to the crowd and waved American flags.
The parade kicked off at 10 a.m. in the Elmwood Park Circle and made its way through the streets of the town. The celebration ended on Fullerton Avenue. The master of ceremonies was Ted Gruber.
Around 70 organizations participated in the parade, including the Elmwood Park police, Triton College, Unity in Community Foundation, St. William School and Massa Café Italiano, among others.
“The parade is a good time for everybody,” Parenti said. “Little kids like receiving their candy.”
Janis O’Donnell of Franklin Park attended the parade with her husband, Gerad. O’Donnell grew up in Elmwood Park and attended the parade as a child. She said it gives her a sense of nostalgia. Her favorite part of the parade growing up was receiving candy, especially Tootsie Rolls.
“I’ve been coming to the Elmwood Park parade for as long as I can remember,” she said. “I like to see the fire engines.”
O’Donnell said the Fourth of July is a day to remember what makes the United States great.
“I am honored to live in the United States,” she said. “I can make my own choices.”
Jackie Stuckert of Chicago had similar feelings.
“The Fourth of July is a day to celebrate being an American,” she said. “We remember everyone who has served and those who have passed so we can be here as free Americans.”
Stuckert attended the parade with her son Christopher Stuckert. She said they attended because her youngest son was participating in the celebration since he’s a member of Elmwood Park Rush Football.
Maryann Pisano is a freelance reporter for Pioneer Press.
