The number one thing we want is for everyone to have fun and celebrate the holiday with your community. To help the day go as smoothly as possible though we do ask that you read and follow the following information.  

If you have any questions prior to the parade contact CSJuly4thParade@gmail.com or reach out on Facebook. Questions on the day of the parade find a volunteer in an orange vest and we will do our best to help.

⏱️ Quick Timeline & Summary

• Road Closures Begin: 8:15 AM (Please give our volunteers time to get into position before entering the staging area)
• Staging & Line-up Begins: 8:30 AM
• Shuttle Buses Run: 8:30 AM – 9:23 AM from Carol Stream Town Center
• Parade Steps Off: 10:00 AM sharp!
• Weather: Rain or shine. In cases of severe weather, updates regarding delays or cancellation will be posted to our official Facebook page.

📍 Arrival & Staging Area (County Farm Road)

The staging area is incredibly busy on the morning of the parade. Please be highly aware of moving vehicles and pedestrians in the roadway.

• Access Route: All parade vehicles, unless otherwise communicated, MUST enter the staging area heading south on County Farm Road via Kelly Drive. Entry will not be allowed from Woodhill Avenue.
• Group Arrival: If you have multiple vehicles in your group, you must arrive together to be lined up together. Spots in your assigned line are based on arrival time.
• Check-In: Upon entry, you must be checked in and positioned by a volunteer in an orange vest. Please follow their instructions and remember they are volunteers!
• 🚨 NO PARKING OR DROP-OFFS AT SIMKUS: Absolutely no participant drop-off or vehicle parking is allowed at the Simkus Recreation Center lot or on County Farm Road.

🚌 Participant Shuttle Buses

Because there is no parking at the start line (Simkus), free shuttle buses are provided to transport participants from the end of the route to the start before the parade begins. We highly recommend parking your personal vehicles at the finish line.

• Shuttle Hours: 8:30 AM – 9:30 AM. Note: There is no shuttle service available after the parade concludes.
• Where to Park: Enter the Town Center from Lies Rd. onto Fountain View Dr. and park in the field parking area. (Fountain View Recreation Center parking lots are strictly reserved for patrons and members).
• Catching the Bus: The shuttle staging area is located just south of the field parking entrance. Look for volunteers to guide you.

🗺️ Parade Route & Pacing

The Route: Runs approximately 1.5 miles from County Farm & Lies Road (Simkus Rec Center) to the Carol Stream Town Center at Gary & Lies.

• Pacing: Maintain a steady pace throughout the parade. Avoid large gaps, but always maintain a safe distance from the group ahead of you.
• Disbanding: At the end of the parade, you must continue to the very end of Fountain View Drive before stopping or disbanding. Stopping early will block the 90 groups behind you on Lies Road.
• Spectator Note: For safety reasons, parade watchers will not be permitted to stand on the west side of County Farm Road & Lies Road.

⚠️ Crucial Safety & Parade Rules

• 🍬 Candy Distribution: Candy MUST be distributed by walkers only and tossed all the way to the curb or beyond. For the safety of the spectators, do not drop or toss candy into the middle of the street, as children will run into the path of moving vehicles.
• 🚫 Water Guns: No water guns of any kind are allowed. The Police Department will confiscate them immediately.
• 🎨 Theme: We highly encourage all participants to use patriotic decorations, music, and themes in your entries. Let’s make it festive!

The Carol Stream Parade Committee reserves the right to refuse any entry at its own discretion.