4th of July Parade
The community of West Peoria, Boy Scout Troop #11 and Cub Scout Pack #11, and the West Peoria Lions Club extend an invitation to all to join the 39th annual Fourth of July Parade and Flag Raising celebration. These sponsors proudly coordinate the longest-running Fourth of July parade in central Illinois and would be honored if you and/or your organization would march along with them. Come be a part of this special day that brings with it a feeling of community togetherness and heartfelt patriotism that truly touches the spirit.
To be a part of this event, groups (commercial or non-commercial) or individuals need only fill out an entry form to be submitted by June 18. Forms are available at Haddad's Market at 2407 W. Rohmann or by calling Mark Wrhel, this year's parade chairperson, at 309-472-4258 or e-mailed at mwrhel@insightbb.comYour early response is appreciated.
Parade position information will be sent to all entrants in advance so that parade participants need only to report to their block captain (volunteers walking around with bright green t-shirts identifying them as such) on the morning of July 4.
Trophies will be awarded for the following: Most Patriotic, Best of Show, Best Juvenile, and Grand Marshal along with a new category this year for Service Organizations. All entries should be decorated in a patriotic theme. Furthermore, incorporating patriotic music into entries would certainly add to the festivities.
Traditionally, parade entries have included marching bands, classic cars, walking groups, dance troupes, groups on bicycles, and prestigious floats.
The parade steps off at 10 a.m. on July 4 with line-up beginning at 9 a.m. at the corner of Waverly and Moss Avenues. The parade travels down Waverly to Moss, across to Sterling, up to Rohmann, continuing on to Cedar and concludes at the United Disciples Christian Church at the intersection of Cedar and Kellogg. The parade information center will be on the corner of Rohmann and Waverly.
After the parade, everyone is invited to gather for the Flag Raising Ceremony at the community flag pole located at the church.
Individuals and groups who have never participated in this parade are invited to join the "old-timers" to make this the biggest and greatest West Peoria Fourth of July in its history.
No parade is successful without crowds of onlookers to wave and cheer on the parade participants. All West Peoria residents, their families and friends, and visitors to this community are invited to enjoy this annual Independence Day celebration.