4th of July Parade
The Grand Marshal for this year’s West Peoria Fourth of July Parade was Jim McCarter, who is active in the WP Lions Club, participates in many West Peoria activities, and served for nine years as the chairman of the Fourth of July Parade. The trophy winners for West Peoria’s 40th annual Fourth of July Parade were:
- Youth Group: Clonmel Marching Band, trophy given by the WPRA
- Most Patirotic: Cross Baptist Church, trophy given by West Peoria Lions Club
- Service Organization: Plumbers Union Local 1, trophy given by the WPFD Ladies' Auxiliary
- Best in Show: Clonmel Marching Band, trophy given by South Side Bank
Mark Wherl, the chairman of the parade, wishes to thank all the volunteers (block captains, corner guards, police, street department crew, and parade participants). As Wherl states, “All the work that goes into the parade is performed by local individuals who are willing to chip in to create something wonderful year after year.” He further states, “Even though it was a less than beautiful day, it seemed everyone had a wonderful time even if we were all wet.”
Mayor Dillon, one of the speakers at the Awards and Flag Raising Ceremony following the 40th Fourth of July Parade, spoke of the community spirit of West Peoria residents who attended the parade in spite of the pouring rain. According to Dillon, "This proves what the city of West Peoria is all about." Also, he thanked the Clonmel Marching Band for helping to make this year's parade the most memorable ever.