EVANSTON – There was no shortage of patriotism at one of the country’s largest Fourth of July parades.
Thousands braved the heat to watch the parade pass through downtown Evanston.
“We are here with friends and neighbours to honour 250 years of the United States, and we are here to be with our friends and family and to enjoy the day and to appreciate what America really is about,” Kendra Coleman, an attendant, said.
The sight and sound of marching bands and performances kept the audience cheering throughout the afternoon.
Many people interviewed by WGN-TV knew at least one person in the parade, including some of the youngest participants.
“My grandma is in the parade and a bunch of my friends, so I am really excited, rooting for them,” Teodora, a participant, said.
Evanston’s Fourth of July parade has been around for over a century. It has grown so popular that it can be difficult to find a place to watch it pass by.
“So our wonderful neighbours here camped out early on Wednesday, I believe, and asked, ‘Hey, do you want to join?'” “So we have crashed,” Coleman explained.
The Fourth of July celebrations continued with a concert at 7:30 p.m. and a fireworks display at 9:30 p.m.
