Fire Department Parade Will Celebrate 4th Of July In Flossmoor

FLOSSMOOR, IL — The coronavirus pandemic and social distancing restrictions have forced the cancellation of the traditional Fourth of July parade in Flossmoor in 2020, but officials in the village have figured out a way to hold a parade in which residents of all village neighborhoods will have a chance to be involved with. Flossmoor Volunteer Fire Department vehicles will parade through neighborhood streets, concurrent along two separate routes, beginning at 10 a.m. on July 4, Fire Chief Greg Berk said.

Residents along the route, visualized below, are encouraged to decorate their homes and yards in red, white and blue and tag photos on social media using #FlossmoorRedWhiteBlue.

The exact number of vehicles involved in the parade is not yet known, but Berk said no street closures will be needed. Main roads in the village such as Dixie Highway, Flossmoor Road and Governors Highway will only be used for about a block or less.

"Our goal is to visit as many neighborhoods as possible, so we’re going to start one fleet of the big trucks on the west side of town and another on the east side of town," Berk said. "We’re going to try to have as many vehicles as possible, but at this point it is unclear how many we will have."

Fire trucks will have their flashing lights and sirens on along the routes, but anyone with sensory sensitivities can call the fire department at 708-798-3885 or email info@flossmoor.org to have them turned off while passing their home or parade-viewing location.

Traditionally, the Flossmoor Fourth of July parade begins at Parker Junior High School as bikes, tricycles and wagons parade down Flossmoor Road to the village's Central Business District. This year, the two starting points for fire department vehicles will be in the Ballantrae neighborhood and at Hanover Lane and Dixie Highway.

RELATED: Traditional 4th Of July Parade In Flossmoor Canceled

"We want to keep the spirit of the Fourth of July even though COVID is preventing us from gathering as a community," Berk said. "With the alternative plan, our citizens can still maintain proper social distancing while enjoying the parade from the safety of their own yards.

"We’re doing the best we can to keep the spirit of the Fourth of July."