Tom Holmes adjusts his hat as he readies himself to portray Uncle Sam for the Historical Society of Oak Park River Forest. The village of Oak Park celebrated the Fourth of July with a large parade featuring 72 entries on a warm and beautiful Wednesday mo

The Henricksen and Meyers families applaud the VRW Post 7712 as they march past during the Niles Fourth of July Parade. | Joel Lerner~Sun-Times Media

Maine Township Clerk Gary K. Warner wears the colors during the Niles Fourth of July Parade. | Joel Lerner~Sun-Times Media

World War II veteran Bette Horstman, of Morton Grove, and past commander of VFW Post 7712, leads the colors during the Niles Fourth of July parade July 4 in Niles. | Joel Lerner~Sun-Times Media

Sam Mayor, 19, a lifeguard for the Niles Park Distirict , helps keep the crowd cool during the Niles Fourth of July parade on July 4 in Niles. | Joel Lerner~Sun-Times Media

Petros Konstanopoulos, of Niles, holds his 18-month-old granddaughter, Ariana, during the Niles Fourth of July Parade in Niles. | Joel Lerner~Sun-Times Media

Lizzy and Lexi Callero, granddaughters of Mayor Robert M. Callero pass out flags for the village during the Niles Fourth of July Parade in Niles. | Joel Lerner~Sun-Times Media

Longtime parade participant, stilt walker Randy Johnson, gets a very high five from 9-year-old Jacob Kanarowski, of Niles, during the Niles Fourth of July Parade on July 4 in Niles. | Joel Lerner~Sun-Times Media

Annie Byrne, 15, catches a ball thrown during the parade on her grandfather's front lawn during the Niles Fourth of July Parade on July 4 in Niles. | Joel Lerner~Sun-Times Media

Sam Mayor, 19, a lifeguard for the Niles Park Distirict, helps keep the crowd cool during the Niles Fourth of July parade on July 4 in Niles. | Joel Lerner~Sun-Times Media

The Dance Troupe Aenacer Boliviano wore colorful costumes during the Niles Independence Day parade July 4 in Niles. | Joel Lerner~Sun-Times Media

Harry Wolf, of the Waterloo German Band, plays a long horn during the Niles Fourth of July parade July 4 in Niles. | Joel Lerner~Sun-Times Media

Richard Gebala, of the Niles Police Auxilliary, hands a flag to 9-year-old Emily Kranz, of Chicago, during the Niles Fourth of July parade. | Joel Lerner~Sun-Times Media

Emin Zec, 7, of Morton Grove, Sean Urban, 6, of Niles, and Esad Zec, 3, of Morton Grove, enjoy the parade in the shade during the Niles Fourth of July parade. | Joel Lerner~Sun-Times Media

At the 53rd Annual Chicago History Museum Fourth of July, the event was moved inside due to extreme heat. Catherine Ding, age 9 years old, enjoys a visit with the world's tallest Uncle Sam, played by Frank Birdsall. | Al Podgorski~Chicago Sun-Times

At the 53rd Annual Chicago History Museum Fourth of July, the event was moved inside due to extreme heat. Peg Quinn, a history museum volunteer for the last 10 years, hands out flags to the oncoming crowd of visitors. | Al Podgorski~Chicago Sun-Times

At the 53rd Annual Chicago History Museum Fourth of July, the event was moved inside due to extreme heat. | Al Podgorski~Chicago Sun-Times

At the 53rd Annual Chicago History Museum Fourth of July, the event was moved inside due to extreme heat. . Ava Lowe, 7 years old, and Sophia Lowe, 5 years old, show off their Fourth of July constumes for the annual parade as they enter the museum. | Al Podgorski~Chicago Sun-Times

At the 53rd Annual Chicago History Museum Fourth of July, the event was moved inside due to extreme heat. Chris Fascione entertains the oncoming crowd of visitors with his expert juggling. | Al Podgorski~Chicago Sun-Times

Elmwood Park Wednesday 7/4/12 Angelina Baratta, age9 during the Elmwood Park Village 4th of July parade. | Jerry Daliege~for Sun-Times Media

Elmwood Park Wednesday 7/4/12 Christy Bendersky paints the hair of kids prior to the start of the Elmwood Park Village 4th of July parade. | Jerry Daliege~for Sun-Times Media

Elmwood Park Wednesday 7/4/12 Johnny Baratta, age6 during the Elmwood Park Village 4th of July parade. | Jerry Daliege~for Sun-Times Media

Elmwood Park Wednesday 7/4/12 Children scramble for candy during the Elmwood Park Village 4th of July parade. | Jerry Daliege~for Sun-Times Media

Elmwood Park Wednesday 7/4/12 Fire and Police department color guards during the Elmwood Park Village 4th of July parade. | Jerry Daliege~for Sun-Times Media

Elmwood Park Wednesday 7/4/12 Joseph Czerwinski and his grand daughter, Maya Donarski, age 2 seek shade under an unbrella during the Elmwood Park Village 4th of July parade. | Jerry Daliege~for Sun-Times Media

Elmwood Park Wednesday 7/4/12 Betty Collins from the red hats group during the Elmwood Park Village 4th of July parade. | Jerry Daliege~for Sun-Times Media

Elmwood Park Wednesday 7/4/12 Alyssa Waterloo age 8 from the Elmwood Park softball team, Blue heat yawns while waiting for the start of the Elmwood Park Village 4th of July parade. | Jerry Daliege~for Sun-Times Media

Elmwood Park Wednesday 7/4/12 Cub Scout Pack 687 during the Elmwood Park Village 4th of July parade. | Jerry Daliege~for Sun-Times Media

Elmwood Park Wednesday 7/4/12 Girls scouts march during the Elmwood Park Village 4th of July parade. | Jerry Daliege~for Sun-Times Media

Michelle Rivera (left), of Norridge, and her son Gregory cool off in the pool during Gregoy's 13th birthday celebration at the pool. | Curtis Lehmkuhl~Sun-Times Media

Lifeguard Martha Prazuch watches over the water slide pool. | Curtis Lehmkuhl~Sun-Times Media

Lauren Bauer hands out candy during the holiday parade in Cedar Lake July 4, 2012. Bauer is a camp counselor with Cedar Lake Ministries. | Andy Lavalley~Sun-Times Media

Paultette Geringer and her son Aaron, 8, wave to passing vehicles during the Cedar Lake July 4 parade. | Andy Lavalley~Sun-Times Media

The Cedar Lake July 4 parade works its way eastward from the starting point at Hanover Central high school. | Andy Lavalley~Sun-Times Media

Jeremy Gaiser rides with members of Faith Church during the Cedar Lake July 4 parade. | Andy Lavalley~Sun-Times Media

Antioch-7/04/12, Wed./Downtown Antioch Joe Antony, of Lindenhurst crosses the Delaware as George Washington Wednesday during Antioch's annual parade. | Joe Shuman~For Sun-Times Media

Kaylee Wilson, 3, of Lake Villa dances as she watches the 4th of July parade in Antioch. | Joe Shuman~For Sun-Times Media

Ron Tumminello of Lindenhurst relaxes in the shade as he watches the 4th of July in Antioch. | Joe Shuman~For Sun-Times Media

Thomas Payonk, of Antioch, a Master Sgt. with the US Air Force Air Guard displaying the Colors during parade. | Joe Shuman~For Sun-Times Media

Joe Carle (left), 7, of Antioch, Ava Fellers, 9, of Lindenhurst, and Nic Fellers, 10, of Lindenhurst, clap as the flag comes by during 4th of July parade in Antioch. | Joe Shuman~For Sun-Times Media

The Oak Park River Forest High School state champion baseball team marches north on Ridgeland to cheers from the crowds. The village of Oak Park celebrated the Fourth of July with a large parade featuring 72 entries on a warm and beautiful Wednesday morni

Members of Derby Lite womens roller derby team skate along Ridgeland. The village of Oak Park celebrated the Fourth of July with a large parade featuring 72 entries on a warm and beautiful Wednesday morning. | Jon Langham~for Sun-Times Media

The Park District of Oak Park is celebrating their 100th anniversary this year. The village of Oak Park celebrated the Fourth of July with a large parade featuring 72 entries on a warm and beautiful Wednesday morning. | Jon Langham~for Sun-Times Media

Several people wore colorful balloon costumes in the parade. The village of Oak Park celebrated the Fourth of July with a large parade featuring 72 entries on a warm and beautiful Wednesday morning. | Jon Langham~for Sun-Times Media

Young families lined the curbs and sidewalks along Ridgeland to get a good view of the parade. The village of Oak Park celebrated the Fourth of July with a large parade featuring 72 entries on a warm and beautiful Wednesday morning. | Jon Langham~for Sun

Quinn Gillespie, 9, of Antioch cools down while attending the 4th of July parade in Antioch. | Joe Shuman~For Sun-Times Media

Natasha Lumb, 5, of Antioch holds an American Flag during the 4th of July parade in Antioch. | Joe Shuman~For Sun-Times Media

Luisa Penepacher sprays water on members of the Glenbrook South marching band to help keep them cool in Glenview's Fourth of July Parade. | Dan Luedert~Sun-Times Media

Ryan and Josh Agrest sip frozen pops while they sit along the curb to watch Glenview's Fourth of July Parade. | Dan Luedert~Sun-Times Media

Ava Pacio and Caroline Lo watch Glenview's Fourth of July Parade. | Dan Luedert~Sun-Times Media

Dylan Scheets gets a ride on his mother's shoulders, Lauren Scheets, as they make their way along of the route of Glenview's Fourth of July Parade. |

Ethan Boner enjoys an ice cream treat from the Dairy Bar after watching the Glenview's Fourth of July Parade. | Dan Luedert~Sun-Times Media

Marcus Bienko with tropp 156 holds the American Fly while marching in Glenview's Fourth of July Parade. | Dan Luedert~Sun-Times Media

Linda Sawyer uses a fan to help keep cool as she marches in Glenview's Fourth of July Parade. | Dan Luedert~Sun-Times Media

Ola Zaworski smiles beneath the brim of a stars and bars top hat while marching in Glenview's Fourth of July Parade. | Dan Luedert~Sun-Times Media

Re-enactors of the era march down Glenview Road in Glenview's Fourth of July Parade. | Dan Luedert~Sun-Times Media

Congresswoman Jan Schakowsky waves the flag while marching in Glenview's Fourth of July Parade. | Dan Luedert~Sun-Times Media

Laura Lyn Sears holds her parasol for shade before Glenview's Fourth of July Parade. | Dan Luedert~Sun-Times Media

Javier and Mateo Fernandez wait for more candy to be thrown their way as they watch Glenview's Fourth of July Parade. | Dan Luedert~Sun-Times Media

Cannon and gun smoke fills the street as Civil War reenactors put on a show for parade watchers during Hinsdale's Fourth of July parade. | James C. Svehla~for Sun-Times Media

Lauren Schick (left) with her sister Katelyn,8, cover their ears as a Civil War cannon fires during the Hinsdale's Fourth of July parade. | James C. Svehla~for Sun-Times Media

Hinsdale Central High School's Red Devil marching band in the Hinsdale Fourth of July parade in Hinsdale. | James C. Svehla~for Sun-Times Media

Nilly Ads, 7, watches Hinsdale's Fourth of July parade in Hinsdale. | James C. Svehla~for Sun-Times Media

Elvis, a.k.a. Tom Chowaniec, of Lincolnshire, and the Presidents entertain on Brunwick Lane during the 4th of July Parade route in Lincolnshire Wednesday. July 4, 2012. | John Konstantaras~For Sun-Times Media

JP Gordon, 5, hands a "FREEdom" lemonade a firefighter on Brunswick Lane during the 4th of July Parade in Lincolnshire Wednesday. July 4, 2012. | John Konstantaras~For Sun-Times Media

With a watergun in hand, Emma Sturgeon, 8 from Lake Forest, rides on the Windjammers Swim Team float during the 4th of July Parade in Lincolnshire Wednesday. July 4, 2012. | John Konstantaras~For Sun-Times Media

Tristan Mabon, 2 of Gary waves the flag at the participants of the parade duering the 2012 Gary 4th of July Parade on Wednesday July 4, 2012. | Jim Karczewski~for Sun-Times Media

The drummers from Power & Light Church of God in Gary perform in front of the judges at the Gary 4th of July parade on Wednesday July 4, 2012. | Jim Karczewski~for Sun-Times Media

Eight-year-old Zayola Mcauley, of Deer Park, watches the start of the parade. | Michelle LaVigne~Sun-Times Media

BARRINGTON Wednesday Jul 4 2012 Eleven-year-old Jack Deering of Barrington attempts to intercept a piece of candy from landing into the umbrella held by eleven-year-old Connor Kohanzo during the Barrington Fourth of July Parade. | Michelle LaVigne~Sun-Times Media

BARRINGTON Wednesday Jul 4 2012 Four-year-old Isaiah Springer of Huntly (left to right,) five-year-old Jacob Hulslander of Cary and four-year-old Reid Peterson of Barrington keep their eyes open for candy thrown during the Barrington Fourth of July Parade. | Michelle LaVigne~Sun-Times Media

The Lawn Chair Dad" end a mini-performance with a short rest. | Michelle LaVigne~Sun-Times Media

The Cuba Township "float" quickly became the favorite of many. | Michelle LaVigne~Sun-Times Media

Greg Giancola, of Barrington, funeral director for Giancola Funeral and Cremation, drives a unique vehicle supprting the Hurricanes softball team. | Michelle LaVigne~Sun-Times Media

Eric Cichanski, of Palatine, helps his two-year-old daughter Emma with her bag of candy collected during the parade. | Michelle LaVigne~Sun-Times Media

Volunteers carry a giant American flag Wednesday while marching in the Oak Lawn Fourth of July parade. Mary Beth Nolan~For Sun-Times Media

David Lewis of Morton Grove dressed up for as Uncle Sam for the Niles Township Republicans during Skokie's 4th of July Parade on Wednesday, July 4, 2012 in Skokie. | Joel Lerner~Sun-Times Media

US representative Jan Schakowsky during Skokie's 4th of July Parade on Wednesday, July 4, 2012 in Skokie. | Joel Lerner~Sun-Times Media

Temple Judah Mizpah's Maddy Foler, 10, rides a decorated bicycle during Skokie's 4th of July Parade on Wednesday, July 4, 2012 in Skokie. | Joel Lerner~Sun-Times Media

Ninos Lazzar holds the Assyrian flag on the Assyrian American Club's float during Skokie's 4th of July Parade on Wednesday, July 4, 2012 in Skokie. | Joel Lerner~Sun-Times Media

Niles Township Assessor Scott Bagnall rides a bicyle full of American flags during Skokie's 4th of July Parade on Wednesday, July 4, 2012 in Skokie. | Joel Lerner~Sun-Times Media

Baek's Tiger Martial Arts' Alex Peroff of Evanston leaps to break a board during Skokie's 4th of July Parade on Wednesday, July 4, 2012 in Skokie. | Joel Lerner~Sun-Times Media

John Haber and Jeff Gould wave from the top of the Haben Funeral Home's antique hearse during Skokie's 4th of July Parade on Wednesday, July 4, 2012 in Skokie. | Joel Lerner~Sun-Times Media

Phil Fisher and his 21 month old son Yosefrafael marched with the Lubavitch Chabad of Skokie with the during Skokie's 4th of July Parade on Wednesday, July 4, 2012 in Skokie. | Joel Lerner~Sun-Times Media

Babu Varma, a director of Consumer Affairs and his family pose with one of the Little People during Skokie's 4th of July Parade on Wednesday, July 4, 2012 in Skokie. | Joel Lerner~Sun-Times Media

Civil War re-enactors 1st Michigan Engineer's Mike Roche gets some ice in his hat from Fred Amos during Skokie's 4th of July Parade on Wednesday, July 4, 2012 in Skokie. | Joel Lerner~Sun-Times Media

The Dance Troupe Aenacer Boliviano dance down Oakton St. during Skokie's 4th of July Parade on Wednesday, July 4, 2012 in Skokie. | Joel Lerner~Sun-Times Media

At the 53rd Annual Chicago History Museum Fourth of July, the event was moved inside due to extreme heat. . Ava Lowe, 7 years old, and Sophia Lowe, 5 years old, show off their Fourth of July constumes for the annual parade as they enter the museum. | Al Podgorski~Chicago Sun-Times

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The Alley of Klowns ride down Dempster Street during Morton Grove's Fourth of July Parade on July 4 in Morton Grove. | Jon Durr~For Sun-Times Media

Donna Sutfin, of Morton Grove, runs into the street for some heat relief from the water cannons of the 336th engineering detachment out of Sturtevant, Wis., at Morton Grove's Fourth of July Parade on July 4 in Morton Grove. | Jon Durr~For Sun-Times Media

Wesley Yaras, 2, enjoys what remains of his popsicle at the end of Morton Grove's Fourth of July Parade on July 4 in Morton Grove. | Jon Durr~For Sun-Times Media

Alex Harris, 8, and his sister, Rachel, 7, run into the street to be sprayed by the water cannons of the 336th engineering detachment out of Sturtevant, Wis., at Morton Grove's Fourth of July Parade on July 4 in Morton Grove. | Jon Durr~For Sun-Times Medi

The Lucero family rides atop a fire engine during Morton Grove's Fourth of July Parade on July 4 in Morton Grove. | Jon Durr~For Sun-Times Media

A member of the Renacer Boliviano Dance Troupe waves at residents during Morton Grove's Fourth of July Parade on July 4 in Morton Grove. | Jon Durr~For Sun-Times Media

The First Regiment of the Chicago Light Artillery walks down Dempster street in the Morton Grove Fourth of July Parade on July 4 in Morton Grove. | Jon Durr~For Sun-Times Media

7/4/12 Northbrook Robert Sholty sells lemonade near the starting point of Northbrook's Fourth of July Parade. | Dan Luedert~Sun-Times Media

Ethan Larson, 10, of Morton Grove, gets his hair painted red, white and blue by Andy Shimanski before the marching in Morton Grove's Fourth of July Parade on July 4 in Morton Grove. | Jon Durr~For Sun-Times Media

Ron Gadek zips along the route of Northbrook's Fourth of July Parade in a minivan. | Dan Luedert~Sun-Times Media

Members of the American Legion lead Northbrook's Fourth of July Parade in 2012. | Dan Luedert~Sun-Times Media

Ron Gadek zips along the route of Northbrook's Fourth of July Parade in a minivan. | Dan Luedert~Sun-Times Media

Uncle Sam waves to the crowd as he towers above Northbrook's Fourth of July Parade in 2012. | Dan Luedert~Sun-Times Media

Nathan Lydon rides along the parade route with his uncle, Matt Lydon, during Northbrook's Fourth of July Decorated Bicyle Parade. | Dan Luedert~Sun-Times Media

Dylan Wittenberg and friends decided to show their patriotic pride with a bit of face painting for Northbrook's Fourth of July Parade. | Dan Luedert~Sun-Times Media

07/04/2012 Highland Park Andrew Schneiderman 4, of Highland Park covers his ears as fire trucks and rescues squads honk their horns during the annual Highland Park 4th of July parade on Wednesday, July 4, 2012. | michael jarecki ~ for Sun-Times Media

07/04/2012 Highland Park The Jesse White Tumbling Team performs during the annual Highland Park 4th of July parade on Central avenue on Wednesday, July 4, 2012. | michael jarecki ~ for Sun-Times Media

07/04/2012 Highland Park Residents watch as the annual Highland Park 4th of July parade makes way west on Central avenue on Wednesday, July 4, 2012. | michael jarecki ~ for Sun-Times Media

07/04/2012 Highland Park The Jesse White Tumbling Team performs during the annual Highland Park 4th of July parade on Central avenue on Wednesday, July 4, 2012. | michael jarecki ~ for Sun-Times Media

07/04/2012 Highland Park Residents watch as the annual Highland Park 4th of July parade makes way west on Central avenue on Wednesday, July 4, 2012. | michael jarecki ~ for Sun-Times Media

07/04/2012 Highland Park Lori Flores Weisskopf, Park Board Commissioner, and her son Jeremy 5, ride a float sponsored by the Highland Park Park District during the annual Highland Park 4th of July parade on Wednesday, July 4, 2012. | michael jarecki ~ for Sun-Times Media

07/04/2012 Highland Park Lily Weinstein 5, of Highland Park watches the annual Highland Park 4th of July parade on Wednesday, July 4, 2012. | michael jarecki ~ for Sun-Times Media

07/04/2012 Highland Park The Highland Park Children's Bike and Pet Parade kicks off the 4th of July celebration in downtown Highland Park on Wednesday, July 4, 2012. | michael jarecki ~ for Sun-Times Media

Thomas McCarthy, 4, of Lincolnshire parades his bike which is decorated for Independence Day at Spring Lake Park in Lincolnshire as part of Red, White and Boom 2012 celebrations on Tuesday, July 3. | Ryan Pagelow~Sun-Times Media

Eva Nikolic, 6, performs with the Lincolnshire Bolts pom team at Spring Lake Park in Lincolnshire as part of Red, White and Boom 2012 Independence Day celebrations on Tuesday, July 3. | Ryan Pagelow~Sun-Times Media

Magdalena Wydrych, 4, of Oak Lawn scrambles to pick up candy Wednesday in the Oak Lawn Fourth of July parade. Mary Beth Nolan~For Sun-Times Media

Resident Ted Strzyzkowski catches some shade Wednesday while watching the Oak Lawn Fourth of July parade. Mary Beth Nolan~For Sun-Times Media

Spectators line the streets for Aurora's Fourth of July Parade on Wednesday. | Brian Powers~Sun-Times Media

A giant American flag makes its way down Galena Boulevard during Aurora's Fourth of July Parade on Wednesday. | Brian Powers~Sun-Times Media