The Midway Chamber of Commerce marked the nation’s 250th anniversary with its annual Patriots Day parade on Thursday, June 25, drawing elected officials, first responders, and hundreds of residents to Garfield Ridge.
The parade, which ran from Archer and Central to Merrimac, opened with VFW Rhine Post 2729 firing ceremonial blanks as trumpets played the national anthem. Grand Marshal Geno Randazzo, a local businessman and Chamber member, rode in an Excalibur dressed as Uncle Sam, driven by 8th District Council member Mark Hamberlin. Randazzo was selected for his community service record.
The procession included Lyons Mayor Chris Getty, Chicago mayoral candidate Susana Mendoza, Aldermen Silvana Tabares (23) and Marty Quinn (13), along with supporters from local churches, schools, sports teams, Boy Scouts, and fire departments from surrounding municipalities. They tossed candy and trinkets to crowds lining the street.
Two hours before the parade, Vivian Valtas hosted a Pre-Fourth of July Party at her State Farm Agency, featuring Toy Story characters, a karaoke and dance contest, and a $250 cash prize for first place. Valtas said the event reflects her lifelong commitment to community service, which began when an anonymous donor gave her a bicycle as a child — the first new thing she had ever owned.
Because of that, she started paying it forward, Valtas told the Southwest News-Herald.
In college, she passed textbooks to other students instead of reselling them. This summer, she plans to resume her annual bicycle essay contest, which did not take place this year.
After the parade, Midway Chamber of Commerce President Mary Ellen Brown invited families to a screening of Zootopia 2 at Wentworth Park.
Garfield Ridge residents lined the streets of Archer Avenue for the annual Patriots Day parade on June 25. Credit: Alexis Bocanegra / Southwest Regional Publishing 
The Dunn family represented Conquer Cancer at the 2026 Patriots Day parade. Credit: Alexis Bocanegra 
Chicago Lawn District Commander Bryan Spreyne and Midway Chamber of Commerce member Al Cacciottolo at the 2026 Patriots Day parade. Credit: Alexis Bocanegra / Southwest Regional Publishing 
Grand Marshal Geno Randazzo and Chicago Alderman Silvana Tabares before the Patriots Day parade on June 25. Credit: Alexis Bocanegra / Southwest Regional Publishing 
Lyons Mayor Chris Getty is running for Congress. He appeared in the 2026 Patriots Day parade in Chicago on June 25. Credit: Alexis Bocanegra / Southwest Regional Publishing