By Tim Hadac
Managing Editor
Southwest Chicago Post
Managing Editor
Southwest Chicago Post
Once again, the Patriot's Day Parade on Archer Avenue was a success.
As usual, the stars of the show included the boys and girls, moms and dads, grandmas and grandpas at the curb--so the photos the SWCP has are heavy on spectators and light on actual parade units.
The community owes a big, big debt of gratitude to Midway Chamber of Commerce President Mary Ellen Brown, as well as the MCC officers, board of directors and members. This parade matters--not only to Garfield Ridge, but the entire Midway area--and the MCC rescued the parade (a few years back) when no one else did.
We also commend the MCC for choosing Al Cacciottolo as parade grand marshal. It's entirely fitting. Over the last 40-plus years, no one has done as much to promote and improve Garfield Ridge, Clearing and the rest of the greater Midway area as Al Cacciottolo.
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A business owner, business leader, crime fighter, high school baseball coach, organizer of charity drives and so much more. Little wonder so many people call Al the Mayor of Midway.
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Fittingly, Al received the red carpet treatment, riding in style--a cherry-red 1969 Pontiac Firebird owned by Geno Randazzo of All Exterior Contractors.
The Southwest Chicago Post had freelance photographer Kelly White out there with cameras. Others also contributed to this grouping of photos. Do you have parade photos you'd like added to this collection? We expect this post to remain live for years to come--something folks may always go back to and look at with a nice sense of nostalgia.
If you have photos of people and parade units not seen here, please email your best shots to editor@swchicagopost.com, and chances are, we'll add them to this collection.
So here are a bunch of parade photos--in no particular order, of parade units and people at the curb. Enjoy!
May your Independence Day be meaningful, joyful and safe.
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Background
The parade was founded in 1969 by Chicago Park District official William O. Lipinski, who would later serve as 23rd Ward alderman and then U.S. congressman. The parade was one of a variety of ways Lipinski--fiercely patriotic--tried to instill love of country and community in the neighborhoods he served.
When Lipinski left office in early 2005 and was succeeded by his son, Congressman Dan Lipinski, the younger Lipinski became the parade's host. With Dan Lipinski's departure from Congress in early 2021, the parade became an orphan until it was rescued by the Midway Chamber of Commerce.
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