On My Mind – The 4th – 7/4/2018

I know it’s a bit cliche but do you ever wonder what Washington, Jefferson and Adams would have thought if we were able to bring them forward in time and give them a look at what the country they created had become or how we celebrated the miracle of political compromise they’d crafted.  Here’s what they would have experienced if they’d been with us today at the 108th Lake Bluff 4th of July Celebration.  This year’s theme was Spirit and Service and, as always, the central event was the Parade.  It was led this year by the Lake Bluff American Legion Post 510 serving as Parade Marshals.

This parade is a BIG deal in North Suburban Chicago.  It’s one of the oldest and biggest small town Independence Day parades in the country and the Lake Bluff 4th of July Committee spends the better part of the year planning it.  I’ve attended this event 4 or 5 times since moving to Chicagoland and it’s always a unique experience – a pretty good indication of the State of the Nation.

For starters, what kind of a parade would it be without marching bands:

Here’s the Kenosha, WI, Rambler Band putting on a show.

And no Independence Day Parade would be complete without the Pipes:

Belting out Scotland The Brave – a favorite of mine given family origins.

From there – we have something just a little bit different:

Back in the day, these guys and girls were likely marching with bands like the Ramblers – great to see them still pounding it out.

Of course, no parade is complete without your national, state and local politicians:

One of our Congressmen had a presence – Brad Schneider – representing the IL 10th District.

While I may have missed him, I didn’t see Brad – but his people turned out in big numbers.

From there, we moved right on to the State & Local folks:

Always good to see them out in person – pressing a bit of flesh.

Never let yourself forget that this is a country of entrepreneurs – businesses big and small turn out every year:

One of our local realtors – reminding everyone that there’s never been a better time to buy or sell in Lake County.

It’s the 4th – gotta have your BBQ!

Here’s a new twist – a local HVAC company rigged up an air conditioner – blowing cool air – in an attempt to keep the crowd cool – had to laugh when I saw this one.

Now onto the Big Boys – Wells Fargo – after the year they’ve had – good to see that they’re still out there asking for our money.

Of course, the 4th just isn’t the 4th without Mr. Peanut and The Planters Mobile.

Very good to see a worthy local charity represented – I’m a big supporter of Bernie’s and have volunteered.  If interested, you can learn more from this post:

http://booksofbrian.com/on-my-mind-bernies-book-bank-3-24-2018/

From there, it get’s really local and very colorful:

You have the local chapter of the Indian Guides & Princesses.  Wasn’t even sure if this group was still around given the sensitivity today around cultural appropriation.

The local Lion’s Club – represented by a giant lion on a Segway.

Because nothing says Youth Soccer like a 6′ tall rabbit.

What’s a parade without the Shriners – but scooters just don’t cut it for the Lake County Shriners – these guys ride motorized Coleman Coolers.

Here’s one that I loved but had never heard of until today – a national Star Wars Cosplay group:

Great costumes but does it feel a bit odd to anyone else – seeing the Empire so prominently represented at an Independence Day parade?

Finally – last but not least – a local institution – the Lake Bluff Lawnmower Precision Drill Team.  Every year, these guys pick an issue and build a satirical routine around it.  Check this out.

 

Yes…many Kim Jong Un did make an appearance at the Lake Bluff 4th of July Parade.  Still trying to figure out the goat.

There you have it – America in all its Independence Day Glory – a great time was had by all!

Having said that, I do still wish I could have brought Washington, Jefferson and Adams to the event today – if for no other reason than to see the looks on their faces.

A Very Happy 4th to all.