Celebrate America’s birthday in Bensenville with its annual Independence Day Parade, kicking off at 10 a.m. Friday.

“We got a lot of compliments of how great the parade was last year, so we have to try to top that one, but it’s going to be hard,” said Rich Johnson, president of the Bensenville Chamber of Commerce. “We’re trying, though, so come on out and watch our patriotic parade.

It shows that local civic groups can work together and do something really great for the community and for residents to enjoy.”

About 70 units have already signed up and more are being added daily. From the undefeated women’s pro-football team, the Chicago Force, to marching bands, local civic organizations, tractors, politicos, classic cars, drum cores and more, it’s going to be a long parade. Former Village President Fred Steging will be the grand marshal.

Construction has changed this year’s parade route. It will begin at the Redmond Recreational Complex and continue west on Jefferson Street to Mason Street, north on Mason to Green Street, east on Green and finish in Towne Center. A post-parade party will be at Towne Center.

The Fourth of July celebration will continue in Bensenville at Redmond with a special presentation of the village’s Music in the Park series with a performance from New Colony Six at 7:30 p.m. Fireworks will immediately follow the concert. The series is regularly at 7:30 Wednesdays in the Bensenville Towne Center, continuing through Aug. 20. It’s always a free event.

The season opened June 11 with American English, a Beatles tribute band.

“I think that’s the largest turnout we’ve had,” said Linda Dickson, Bensenville director of communications and marketing. “The weather is always a factor, but people are coming out to these events. We’ve done a lot of mailings and advertising, so people know what’s going on in their town and will participate.”

People have been sighted putting out chairs and blankets early in the day to ensure a good spot for the night’s show.

“We’re very proud that Music in the Park has grown from a handful of people to thousands,” said Jim Johnson, Bensenville village manager. “This event helps to generate a real sense of community and is a great way to showcase our downtown. In fact, other communities are now holding their own Music in the Park after seeing what a great success it has been here.”

Upcoming concerts include: Hi Infidelity, July 9; Light Up — A Salute to Styx, July 23; The Ides of March featuring Jim Peterik, July 30; The Association, Aug. 6; Jay and the Americans, Aug. 13; and The Buckinghams, Aug. 20. Shows on July 9, July 23 and Aug. 20 have an opening band at 6:15 p.m. The July 23 show will have an ice-cream social, and the Aug. 20 will be a wine-and-cheese night.

There is another special edition of Music in the Park at Redmond July 16 with Gary Puckett that’s in conjunction with the Ray Basso International Bike Race that’s all day in Bensenville.

Along with the music, a classic car show, firetruck and horse-carriage rides, clowns and caricature artists will be on hand.

Local churches, schools and other civic organizations will be selling pop, water and snacks. Two chefs of Bensenville also will be grilling.

“We always want to increase community involvement and show people what’s in Bensenville,” Dickson said. “From our Teen Center selling nachos to the Rotary teaming up with another organization selling popcorn and water, we’re trying to create a real sense of community by having groups and local vendors there.”

The Independence Day Parade is sponsored by the Bensenville Chamber of Commerce, local Kiwanis chapter and village of Bensenville. The fireworks and Music in the Park are sponsored by the village alone.

For information on upcoming Music in the Park concerts, call (630) 766-8888 or visit www.Bensenville.il.us.

Border Bounding is a weekly column appearing on Thursdays. Ideas and items for the column can be e-mailed to hipychk73@yahoo.com.