Parade to Feature "Green" Theme
Release Date: Jul. 3, 2008
It is a family-oriented day that begins with a Children's Bike & Pet parade at 9:45 a.m., then a parade led by marshals Margie and Dick Ettlinger, active environmental volunteers, and ends with the third annual Battle of the Bands Finale, sponsored by Late Nite Highland Park, leading to the annual fireworks display.
The community parade starts at 10 a.m. The Fourth Fest is at Sunset Woods Park which is from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. The 6:30 p.m. Battle of the Bands at Wolters Field features a play-off among the top bands of each June weekend's preliminary rounds. Fireworks follow at 9:15 p.m.
The parade marshals this year are Margie and Dick Ettlinger, a reflection of the parade's theme, "Green is Patriotic." Dick Ettlinger was chairman of the city's Environmental Commission when it started and helped bring to fruition the city's tree protection and recycling ordinances. He was on the Board of Open Lands for 35 years. Margie Ettlinger, a member of the League of Women Voters of Highland Park, is the recipient of the 2008 Environmental Award recommended by the Environmental Commission and approved by the City Council June 23.
"They represent a long-term commitment to the environment," said Mayor Michael D. Belsky about their selection.
One of the day's most popular events is the Park District's Fourth Fest at Sunset Woods Park.
Communication Manager Kelly M. Huegel said, "People come right after the parade because it is so convenient. It's our biggest event."
Huegel said this year has some new attractions to keep Fest fresh. A Mariachi band will roam the park, one of the stages will have an Argentine tango demonstration, and Mexican Folk Singer Gabriel Orejel will perform on the entertainment stage.
The traditional features of the event-- moonwalk, pony rides, petting zoo, roaming balloon twisting clowns, miniature train-- will return. The Juke Box Band will perform on the sound stage near the food vendors.