For four years, Carol Stream resident Kim Geiser has worked to organize the Fourth of July Parade, a task that begins July 5, right after the current year’s festivities end. This year’s parade will begin at 10 a.m. Friday at Lies and County Farm roads, and will travel east down Lies to the Ross Ferraro Town Center on Gary Avenue. For a list of parade participants, visit the Web site at www.carolstreamparade.com.
 
Q: What are some of the main attractions of this year’s parade? What can residents expect?
A: The theme of this year’s parade is “Carol Stream, Care and Service for All.” We got the motto from our new vehicle stickers, which were designed by schoolchildren as part of a sticker design contest. It really sums up what the village is all about. In organizing the parade, one of the first things is to come up with the theme, then build around that.
As far as attractions, one of the big things this year will be the Great Lakes U.S. Navy Band. This is the first time we have been able to get them out here. I have applied for their services the last four years, and it’s really exciting to have them march and perform in our parade. Other popular acts, such as the St. Andrew’s Society of Central Illinois Pipes and Drums bagpipes band and the South Shore Drill Team.

Q: Describe the planning process for the parade. When do you start planning for the event?
A: It’s more like when do you stop planning. As soon as the parade ends, I’m already looking at what groups should come back, and what didn’t work out.

I actually start sending out invitations to entertainers and performers for next year on July 5, and often get bookings as soon as July 20.
The parade committee meets once a month beginning in January and meets more often as the event gets closer.

We have a very nice parade here, it’s not too big and it’s early enough in the day where participants can still attend other parades if they have to. I have never had a group that has been part of it that refused to come back the following year.

Q: Is there any cost to putting on the event?
A: Each year, we have a fundraising event to help pay one of the cost. We have been in partnership with Culver’s (restaurant) of Carol Stream, which donates a portion of one day’s sales to the committee. They have been very helpful to us, and we are thankful for their support. We are considering having a second fundraiser for next year’s event.

Q: What is your favorite part of the parade?
A: One of my favorite parts is the bagpipe band. When you hear that music coming down the block, you know what the parade is all about. I get chills when I hear that music.

As the wife of village Trustee Rick Gieser, we usually are right at the front of the parade. When we reach the end, I always walk down to the end of it and listen to the reaction from the crowds. As the main person who books the entertainment, one of my favorite parts is finding out what the crowds like and what they didn’t. It helps me plan for the future.