Morton Grove's July 4th Parade

Clear skies, low humidity, and temperatures in the upper 80s was the setting for Morton Grove's annual July 4th parade.

The event didn't have a traditional grand marshal, instead of a person, Jerusalem Lutheran School enjoyed the honor.

Mayor Dan Staackmann waved at the crowd from a Mercedes convertible. Other politicians participating included State Rep. Lou Lang (16th), who is also the Democratic committeeman for Niles Township, Joseph Hedrick, his Republican counterpart, as well as State Rep. John D'Amico (15th). Morton Grove's Action Party marched, and officials from Niles Township government also motored past the crowd.

Marching bands from across the country took part. Lincoln-Way Central High School from New Lenox, Illinois was joined by several drum and bugle corps: Blue Stars from Indianapolis, Glassmen from Toledo, Teal Sound from Jacksonville, Florida, and the Troopers from Casper, Wyoming.

Shriners from the Medinah Temple dazzled the crowd with flying carpet riders--actually they were cleverly designed carts--joined by motorcycle enthusiasts that circuitously traversed the parade route on Dempster.

This is the sesquicentennial year of the start of the Civil War. Chicago Light Artillery Battery A, a group of Civil War re-enactors, delighted the crowd by firing blanks from a musket.

Clowns handed out candy and Uncle Sam made an appearance. And the Jesse White Tumblers soared above the crowd.

After the parade the Morton Grove Days festival rolled on and the holiday was capped off with a fireworks celebration in .