Forty years ago Forest Park sold itself to potential home buyers and business owners by saying that the village had “Big City Access.” In those four decades the table has turned a bit. Now the town between Harlem and the Desplaines River is a destination for people coming from the big city.
“Last year’s parade,” said Laurie Kokenes, director of the Forest Park Chamber of Commerce which sponsors the annual event, “drew 8,000 spectators to Madison Street.”
The attraction is 70 different groups marching including the following headliners: the Proviso Marching Band; the Band of Brothers and Doonaree Pipe Bands (both of which are sponsored by Burke Beverage); Irish Dancers from the Bentley Academy and the Foy School; a float by the Chicago White Sox; the Stone Cold Killers Band; the Triton Troupers Circus and the Medinah Mini Choppers, Roaring 57s and Motor Corp.
What makes it a hometown happening are groups representing 21 local businesses, and 17 schools, churches and nonprofits. April Baker Homes will be the Grand Marshall, a role she won by outbidding the competition at the Chamber of Commerce Annual Meeting auction. Ironworkers Local 1, People for Emmanuel Chris Welch, Laborers Local One and O’Sullivan’s Public House each contributed $1,500 to become Pot of Gold Sponsors. Nonprofits kicked in $50 for a spot in the parade, Chamber business members $65, and political and nonmember $120.
First responders from the Forest Park Fire and Police Departments will have places of honor.
The parade will step off on Saturday at 1 pm. The parade route on Madison Street will begin at Van Buren on the west and end at Elgin. The quiet, siren-free zone will extend from Van Buren to Desplaines.