Registration opens for annual Crystal Lake Independence Day Parade

After COVID-19 led to the cancellation last year of the annual Crystal Lake Independence Day Parade, organizers are planning its return.

Registration for the parade is underway on the Crystal Lake Chamber of Commerce’s website, https://www.clchamber.com. The parade is organized by the Chamber in conjunction with the city of Crystal Lake and the Crystal Lake Lions Club.

The parade is scheduled to begin at 1 p.m. July 4, kicking off at Crystal Lake’s City Hall, following its historical 1.8-mile route down Dole Avenue and ending at South Elementary School.

”The parade is eagerly awaited by thousands of Crystal Lake residents and has become an annual family tradition for thousands,” the Chamber said in a news release. “The 2020 iteration was canceled due to COVID-19 concerns.”

Organizers will follow COVID-19 restrictions laid out by the state of Illinois, which means the number of participants, floats and acts may need to be limited, according to the Chamber’s website. All entries will be received on a first-come basis, and that system will be used to determine who will participate should limitations be needed.

Participation in the parade costs $25 for nonprofits, $250 for Chamber members and $275 for nonmembers, according to the release. If the event needs to be canceled, a full refund will be issued, according to the site.

Registration will close May 28.

The Chamber also is accepting nominations for parade grand marshal. The nomination form can be found on the Chamber’s website, and the deadline for submissions in May 3.

Questions can be directed to the Crystal Lake Chamber office at 815-459-1300 or info@clchamber.com.