Pathway Parade, PathFest Return After A Year Off Due To COVID-19

BOLINGBROOK, IL — Think Roaring '20s: champagne flutes, glittery dresses, dancing, jazz. In a little less than a month, on Sept. 12, Bolingbrook is hosting its 56th annual Pathway Parade and PathFest under the popular theme.

Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, last year's annual event was canceled along with a slew of other events nationwide. Chairman Joe Gross said last year officials at the village didn't think they would be able to put on a proper event with the restrictions that were in place.

Instead, they pushed last year's plans to this year, keeping the planned theme the same and promising "a bigger and better parade to make up for this year with a bigger and better PathFest too."

RELATED: Village Cancels Pathways Parade And PathFest

Kicking off from Bolingbrook High School, 365 Raider Way, at 1 p.m., the upcoming parade will follow a different route — to be announced once it's approved — than past years due to road construction, according to the Pathways Parade Committee.

To be in the parade, a free online application can be filled out here. Organizers note in the application that if someone can create a float, they should since "we would like to make the parade bigger and better this year after having to cancel last year."

There will be competitions in several categories — adult and youth marching, adult and youth gymnastics/dance & exercise, professionally built and amateur floats, and business/non-business decorated cars — should parade participators choose to enter. The trophy ceremony will take place at the end of the parade.

Local marching bands will also be a part of the parade, which will take place rain or shine.

Following the parade, PathFest will take place starting at 1 p.m. where there will be food vendors, live music, activities for the kids — including games, a balloon artist, inflatables, a petting zoo and a bags tournament.

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