Naperville Park District Grand Marshal of Labor Day Parade

Submitted by the Napervillle Jaycees

NAPERVILLE, IL — The Naperville Jaycees proudly names the Naperville Park District as the Grand Marshal of the 2016 Gerald Kia Labor Day Parade presented by the City of Naperville and the Naperville Jaycees.

The Park District celebrates its 50th anniversary in 2016. This milestone will be marked with a June celebration at The Barn before its teardown (to be replaced by a Central Maintenance Facility) and an event commemorating the anniversary in conjunction with the grand opening of the Fort Hill Activity Center.

“Not only will this be an opportunity for residents to experience and enjoy this exciting, brand-new facility,” states Naperville Park District Executive Director Ray McGury, “but they also will be able to have some fun celebrating a very special 50-year milestone with the Park District.”

The parade, now in its 51st year, originated thanks to the inspiration of Rick Motta, Owner of Rick Motta Barber Shop in Naperville. What began as a parade and day of merriment at Centennial Beach in 1966 has grown to a day-to-night, 4-day full-scale festival which aids the Naperville Jaycees in its philanthropic mission.

“The Naperville Jaycees is a great example of a key community partner,” notes McGury. “The Park District enjoys working with this fine and committed group of individuals who strive for excellence in everything they do to benefit the community. Undoubtedly, Last Fling is one of those great longstanding events at which fond memories have been made for many decades.”

“The Naperville Jaycees is delighted to honor the Naperville Park District for its service to our community,” notes Chad Pedigo, President of the Naperville Jaycees. “The Park District staff has partnered with the Jaycees for many years to facilitate a safe and enjoyable Last Fling experience for festival goers, and we are grateful for this opportunity to say thank you from the community and all Naperville Jaycees at this year’s Parade.”

The 2016 Gerald Kia Labor Day Parade presented by the City of Naperville and the Naperville Jaycees will begin promptly at 10 a.m. on Monday, Sept. 5, and will start at Naperville North High School, then proceed south on Mill Street, east onto Jefferson Avenue, south on Main Street, west on Porter until its conclusion at Naperville Central High School. Sponsor registration for the parade is now open.

For more information the Naperville Park District, visit napervilleparks.org.

Last Fling Parade registration, information and details are at lastfling.org.