Labor Day parade attracts 14,000 along in Naperville
BY FRANCINE KNOWLES Staff Writer September 2, 2013 8:22PM
A tractor tows a flatbed filled with hay and kids down a residential street on the Labor Day parade route in Naperville on Monday. | Francine Knowles~Sun-Times
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Updated: September 2, 2013 8:32PM
It’s not every day you see a farm tractor pulling a flatbed filled with hay and kids down a residential street in Naperville.
That was one of many sights at a Labor Day Parade that brought out thousands in the west suburb on a picture-perfect day.
Among those on hand was Naperville resident Cindy DeWulf, who didn’t have to trek far to enjoy the festivities. The parade route was right in front of her house. DeWulf set up a table in front of her home filled with fruit, beverages and other snacks for family, friends and others who came by to watch.
She admitted that it was a shock when she heard the sound of a parade outside her front door the first year she moved into the neighborhood, about 14 years ago. But she enjoys the annual event.
“It makes everybody come together and get together as community,” she said.
Dr. Daryl Wilson, whose home also is on the parade route, also didn’t mind. As people around the country marked the day set aside to remember workers, he said Labor Day celebrations are important in “making sure we understand and acknowledge everybody for the hard work that they do.”
Wilson is a physician at Edward Hospital, which was one of more than 80 organizations, businesses, schools and other groups that participated in the parade. It was organized by the Naperville Jaycees. An estimated 14,000-plus people turned out, said Karen Coleman, a spokeswoman for the Jaycees.
Six-year-old Gage Brdar said he liked the fire trucks the best, and his 8-year-old brother, Dakota, liked a race car. As for their sisters Skylar, 9, and Paxtyn, 5, it was all about the candy. Lucy and Evie Fazzi, ages 7 and 4, echoed those views. The Knights of Columbus were among groups that handed out the sweet treats as they marched in the parade.
Besides the candy, Lucy Fazzi said, “I like the marching bands.”
Among schools participating in the parade were Naperville North High School and Benet Academy. Benet’s Marching Redwings pleased the crowd with their rendition of the Pink Panther theme song.
“It’s a great family event,” said Ed Morman, grandfather to the Fazzi children.
As for his Labor Day reflections, he noted, “It sure would be nice if there were more jobs available for everybody that’s looking for work.”
Email: fknowles@suntimes.com
Twitter: @KnowlesFran
