The Hodgkins Park District and Village of Hodgkins added a parade to their annual fest Saturday, August 29, as part of the village’s broader celebration of the nation’s 250th anniversary.
Mayor Ernest Millsap planned the parade to make the event special. The village had opted not to hold separate 4th of July festivities, instead channeling those celebration plans into the August fest.
The parade began at 10 a.m. and traveled south down East Avenue to Cobb Street, then east to Kane Avenue and Lyons Street, ending in front of village hall. Millsap led the procession, waving and tossing candy to spectators lining the streets.
The lineup included the Pleasantview Fire Department, Hodgkins Police Department, village trustees, Park District and Library staff, the Historical Society, Public Works Department, the Hodgkins Aging Well Group, La Grange American Legion Post 1941, a band, dancers, magicians, the Shriners in their signature small cars, and a stilt walker.
Kids yelled in excitement as the Shriners drove past in their small cars and peppered the stilt walker with questions about how he got so tall. Magicians who performed with spinning props moved into the crowd to let children try their hand at the tricks.
After the parade ended, village officials, employees, and residents gathered in front of village hall for a commemorative photo.
The fest at the park began at noon with food, bingo, and entertainment. Activities included a touch-a-truck exhibit, face painting, an exotic reptile show, historical society tours, a tie-dye station, the splash pad, a caricature artist, a pie-eating contest, a bags tournament, and a lucky ladder drop on the school field.
Larry’s Lunch—named after late longtime trustee Larry Rice—offered free hot dogs or hamburgers and complimentary ice cream. The infield hosted jump houses and inflatables throughout the day. A Jazzercise class ran during the afternoon, and a DJ and GJAK’D UP provided live music from 7 to 9 p.m. on the main stage.
Fireworks closed the evening.
