For some people who live along Waukegan’s American Independence Parade route, the Sunday before the Fourth of July is a time to entertain friends and the occasional passerby.
“I’ve been doing this for at least 25 years,” Doug O’Brien said, indicating he moved into his Sheridan Road home 30 years ago. “There are no invitations. Everybody’s welcome.”
Children waiting patiently for the parade to reach them on Sheridan Road were poised to rush to collect candy and other items distributed to the crowd by many of the 80 participants, including elected officials, not-for-profit organizations, businesses, entertainers and more.
“The Jesse White Tumblers just went by,” said fourth-grader Andrea Heslingu as she stood near the end of the route. “I like the candy, too.”
O’Brien and Andrea were among 4,500 people who lined Sheridan Road on Sunday between Franklin Street and Bowen Park for the annual American Independence Parade celebrating the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence.
A joint effort of the Waukegan Park District and the city of Waukegan, Park District Executive Director Jay Lerner said the parade is traditionally held the Sunday before the Fourth of July.
“Every year we do this, but the 250th birthday of the country makes it a little more exciting,” Lerner said. “When we get to 300, it will be even more exciting. The Park District organizes the parade with the participants and entertainers. The city provides everything we need to make it run efficiently.”
Large parties like the one given for the community each year by Waukegan Community Unit School District 60 in front of Lincoln Center, one of its administration buildings, and individuals like O’Brien dotted the parade route.
In front of O’Brien’s home were people both sitting and standing, waiting for the parade to arrive. He was in the back tending to the grill and ensuring the afternoon went smoothly. Both the food and beverages were plentiful.
“It’s for the Fourth of July,” O’Brien said. “It’s our country’s birthday. “We provide food and cold drinks. Anyone who walks by is welcome.”
Near the end of the parade route, Jordan French was entertaining people as he grilled hamburgers, bratwurst, Italian sausage, and chicken sandwiches. Youngsters played inside the bouncy house — he owns it — as they waited for the parade to arrive.
“We want everyone to enjoy the parade and have a wonderful time,” French said, “I got the bouncy house for my daughter. Everyone is enjoying it.”
Mayor Sam Cunningham walked with family members both as the city’s chief executive and in memory of his mother, Lake County Vice Chair Mary Ross Cunningham, who died on June 23. The car she was to use in the parade was driven by her grandson.
“The 250th birthday of America is what Waukegan represents,” Cunningham said. “It’s a city with diverse ethnicities and working families. That’s what democracy is about and what our city has stood for.”
U.S. Rep Brad Schneider, D-Highland Park, was also participating in the event. He said the American Independence Parade is the start of a week of celebrations marking the country’s 250th birthday.
“This year, we are celebrating the 250th year of American independence,” Schneider said. “We will continue working together and cooperate with each other as we try to form a more perfect union,” he added.
Some people along the parade route, like Jim Neal, had a subtle political message. A Betsy Ross Flag with 13 stars in a circle representing the original states was affixed to the seat where his sister-in-law, Joan Doubek, sat.
“I don’t support the current one,” Neal said, referring to today’s flag. “I’m against what the White House is doing. I still believe in democracy.”
When Schneider was asked how he would make the union more perfect, he was also critical of President Donald Trump’s administration. Part of Congressional leadership as chair of the 115-member New Democratic Coalition, Schneider said his party will campaign hard in the November election.
“We’re going to work for American independence and against corruption where people enrich themselves,” he said, “We’re going to work to make (U.S. Rep.) Hakeem Jeffries, Speaker of the House, where we will have a government of the people, by the people and for the people.”
