American Independence Parade

Due to inclement weather, the Waukegan Park District’s American Independence Parade has been canceled.

The Waukegan Park District presents the 2023 American Independence Parade on Sunday, July 2, 2023 beginning at 1pm, and traveling north on Sheridan Road from Franklin Street to Jack Benny Drive. The parade theme is “Star Spangled Celebration” and the Grand Marshal will be Senator Adriane Johnson. 

In the Illinois State Senate, Senator Johnson represents the 30th District, which includes Waukegan. As a former President of the Buffalo Grove Park District Board of Commissioners, and former Chair of the Illinois Association of Park Districts Board of Trustees, Senator Johnson has been a devoted advocate for parks and recreation.

Vista Health System, a parade sponsor, will provide free drinking water for parade participants to refresh themselves halfway through the parade route at the corner of Sheridan Road and Glen Flora Avenue. Waukegan Public Schools will distribute hot dogs and water in front of the Lincoln Center for Educational Services, located at 1201 N. Sheridan Road.

Jeremiah Johnson, President of the Waukegan Park District Board of Commissioners, stated, “I am excited that our community has the opportunity to experience the American Independence Parade. With months of planning, this year’s parade will be an outstanding celebration of patriotism.”

Jay Lerner, Executive Director of the Waukegan Park District, stated, “The Waukegan Park District’s American Independence Parade is a community tradition featuring many creative entries from local businesses, organizations, and performance groups. We hope the community enjoys the “Star Spangled Celebration” on Sheridan Road.”

Sponsorship Opportunities

Local businesses and organizations can become sponsors of the parade. For more information, contact Jen Dumas at (847) 360-4705 or jdumas@waukeganparks.org

Presenting Partner

Help bring the community together by ensuring that this event is generously supported. 
• You or your business will be recognized in partnership with the Waukegan Park District as a Presenting Partner in making the American Independence Parade a wonderful experience for thou-sands of Waukegan families and friends. 


*Presenting Partner will receive significant recognition in addition to Founder benefits. Please call Jennifer Dumas for details. (847) 360-4705. 
$10,000

Founders

Founder recognition includes: If marching, early placement in parade line-up, VIP parking at Bowen Park, VIP parade seating by Review Stand, special verbal recognition from the Review Stand, recognized in news releases listed on a 24”x 36” sponsor board, , prominent event day recognition, printed event program, seasonal invitation to recog-nition dinner. 
$1,000

Patriots

Patriot recognition includes: Verbal recognition from the Review Stand, recognized in news release, listed on a 24”x 36” sponsor board, prominent event day recognition, printed event program, seasonal brochure, invitation to recognition dinner. 
$500

Revolutionaries

Revolutionaries recognition includes: Prominent event day recognition, printed event program, invitation to recognition dinner. 
$250

Continentals

Continental recognition includes: General event day recognition, printed event program, and invitation to recognition dinner. 
$100

Minutemen

Minuteman recognition includes: printed event program, and invitation to recognition dinner. 
Under $100