Mayor Announces 4th of July Grand Marshals

The information below comes from the City of Highland Park.

As the Nation’s 236th birthday approaches, the City of Highland Park prepares to celebrate with .

The chosen theme for this year is “Highland Park: A Look Back in Time.” Numerous Highland Park institutions are celebrating significant anniversaries this year: (125 years), Girls Scouts (100 years), (75 years), Women’s Board (50 years), (50 years).

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To celebrate the city’s leaders of the past, invited former Mayors Ray Geraci, Dan Pierce and to serve together as honorary Grand Marshals of the parade.

This is the first time that multiple Highland Park Mayors will serve as Grand Marshals together. The selection of the Highland Park Fourth of July Parade Grand Marshal follows a longstanding tradition of welcoming an individual or group who have contributed to the quality of life in the City of Highland Park through civic, social service, humanitarian or personal achievement.

"This Fourth of July, we are looking back and celebrating who we are and where we have come from as a nation and as a community," Rotering said. "Bringing this group together represents all of the civic leaders who helped shape our past and set our course for the future."

Former Mayor Ray Geraci held office from 1970 - 1975 and from 1995-1999.  Former Mayor Daniel Pierce held office from 1987 - 1995 and again from 1999 - 2003.  Former Mayor Michael Belsky held office from 2003 - 2011.

The parade begins at 9:30 a.m. with the Children’s Bike & Pet Parade, sponsored by the Highland Park Chamber of Commerce.

Immediately following the Children’s Bike & Pet Parade, residents are encouraged to continue the celebration with the annual hosted by the City and the Park District.

The parade begins at the intersection of Laurel and St. Johns Avenues, heads north on St. Johns Avenue, then turns west on Central Avenue and continues to Sunset Park. For more information, contact Emily Palm, Assistant to the City Manager at 847-926-1004 or epalm@cityhpil.com.

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