Several politicians and longtime Evanston residents dropped their campaign signs to participate in Sunday’s Fourth of July parade.
“Evanston is a wonderful community where we all disagree vehemently with one another over public-policy issues, but we all come together and are incredibly cohesive when it comes to Fourth of July parades,” said Evanston Mayor Elizabeth Tisdahl, “We have a great sense of community and this is probably the best example of it.”
Tisdahl, an Evanston resident of nearly 40 years, has been connected to the parade through her husband, who was president of the Evanston Youth Hockey Association. As a politician escorted by an antique car, Tisdahl received extra attention during the parade, but she said that the extra glitz of the car is unnecessary.
“I couldn’t get the hang of riding in the car,” said Tisdahl, “I felt like Queen Elizabeth without the hat and the necklace and the suit, so when I got out of the car and just said hello to people along the way, that felt much better.”
After marching the parade route outside of the car at the front of the parade, Tisdahl doubled back to watch other participants such as the Backlot Association, a group of neighbors who have been reportedly constructing floats for parades since the 1930s.
Like Tisdahl, Congresswoman Jan Schakowsky, an Evanston resident for the last 37 years and a regular parade attendee, appreciated Evanston’s sense of community. Walking down Central Street on a humid, 91-degree afternoon, Schakowsky received cheers from her supporters.
“It’s so heartwarming and moving to me,” said Schakowsky, “I’m walking down the street and people are waving Jan fans and shouting. It feels really good … People are very much involved and very caring of one another in this town.”
Joining parade regulars Tisdahl and Schakowsky, Illinois state Rep. David Miller, now running for state comptroller, came to the parade for the first time since the early 1970s, when he marched as a Boy Scout. An Evanston Township High School graduate, Miller said he was happy to be home in a town that instills good American values.
“It’s a great place to be,” said Miller, “Everyone wants to be a part of it … It’s good to see people celebrating America’s birthday. That’s the real reason we’re here, not any particular candidacy.”Tommy Carroll is a student in the journalism division of Northwestern University’s National High School Institute.
