Heat, Hype, and Hometown Pride: Carol Stream Celebrates 2026 Independence Day Parade

GMedia Community Reporting | July 4, 2026

Neither a week-long Chicagoland heat wave nor the looming threat of severe summer weather could dampen the community spirit in Carol Stream today. Residents proved once again why the annual Independence Day Parade has been a cherished village tradition since 1987, turning out in droves to celebrate freedom, family, and community.

The excitement was palpable days before the first float. Anticipation ran so high that local Facebook groups like “What’s Happening in Carol Stream” were buzzing as early as two days ago, with residents staking out prime viewing spots along the route with tents and tarps. By parade time, the sidewalks were a sea of lawn chairs, pop up tents and smiling faces, all ready to brave the intense summer heat.

For nearly one hour and 45 minutes, the streets came alive with a vibrant procession of community groups, clubs, local organizations, and powerhouse performers. Over the years, this 100% community-funded and donation-driven parade has hosted iconic acts like the US Navy Marching Band, the Jesse White Tumblers, the Barefoot Hawaiians, and the South Shore Drill Team. This year’s lineup kept that grand tradition going strong, anchored by a powerful hometown performance from the Glenbard North Marching Band.

In a deeply moving twist for 2026, the parade open-sourced its highest honor. Lacking a traditional single grand marshal, parade organizers extended a beautiful, open invitation on their website: “We invite all veterans to join us as the 2026 Grand Marshal.” Seeing our local heroes leading the way was a powerful reminder of what the holiday is truly about.

While the intense heat continued to bake the village through the rest of the afternoon, the compounding combination of a severe weather forecast and wet conditions from the previous days’ storms ultimately led to the cancellation of Carol Stream’s evening fireworks and events. However, the midday National Weather Service severe thunderstorm watch couldn’t steal the thunder from the parade itself. It was a massive success, proving that the heart of Carol Stream shines brightest when the community comes together.

GMedia Group’s Zachary Gebis was on the ground from start to finish, capturing every wave, every performance, and every high-five.

Scroll through our full gallery below to see if you can spot yourself or your neighbors in the crowd!

CAROL STREAM, Ill. — July 4, 2026: Participants march down the parade route during the annual Carol Stream Independence Day Parade in Carol Stream, Ill., Saturday, July 4, 2026. Despite a week-long regional heat wave, the community-funded tradition—a village staple since 1987—drew large crowds for the nearly two-hour event, which honored local military veterans as the collective Grand Marshal. (GMedia Group/Zachary Gebis)
CAROL STREAM, Ill. — July 4, 2026: Participants march down the parade route during the annual Carol Stream Independence Day Parade in Carol Stream, Ill., Saturday, July 4, 2026. Despite a week-long regional heat wave, the community-funded tradition—a village staple since 1987—drew large crowds for the nearly two-hour event, which honored local military veterans as the collective Grand Marshal. (GMedia Group/Zachary Gebis)
CAROL STREAM, Ill. — July 4, 2026: Participants march down the parade route during the annual Carol Stream Independence Day Parade in Carol Stream, Ill., Saturday, July 4, 2026. Despite a week-long regional heat wave, the community-funded tradition—a village staple since 1987—drew large crowds for the nearly two-hour event, which honored local military veterans as the collective Grand Marshal. (GMedia Group/Zachary Gebis)
CAROL STREAM, Ill. — July 4, 2026: Participants march down the parade route during the annual Carol Stream Independence Day Parade in Carol Stream, Ill., Saturday, July 4, 2026. Despite a week-long regional heat wave, the community-funded tradition—a village staple since 1987—drew large crowds for the nearly two-hour event, which honored local military veterans as the collective Grand Marshal. (GMedia Group/Zachary Gebis)
CAROL STREAM, Ill. — July 4, 2026: Participants march down the parade route during the annual Carol Stream Independence Day Parade in Carol Stream, Ill., Saturday, July 4, 2026. Despite a week-long regional heat wave, the community-funded tradition—a village staple since 1987—drew large crowds for the nearly two-hour event, which honored local military veterans as the collective Grand Marshal. (GMedia Group/Zachary Gebis)
CAROL STREAM, Ill. — July 4, 2026: Participants march down the parade route during the annual Carol Stream Independence Day Parade in Carol Stream, Ill., Saturday, July 4, 2026. Despite a week-long regional heat wave, the community-funded tradition—a village staple since 1987—drew large crowds for the nearly two-hour event, which honored local military veterans as the collective Grand Marshal. (GMedia Group/Zachary Gebis)
CAROL STREAM, Ill. — July 4, 2026: Participants march down the parade route during the annual Carol Stream Independence Day Parade in Carol Stream, Ill., Saturday, July 4, 2026. Despite a week-long regional heat wave, the community-funded tradition—a village staple since 1987—drew large crowds for the nearly two-hour event, which honored local military veterans as the collective Grand Marshal. (GMedia Group/Zachary Gebis)
CAROL STREAM, Ill. — July 4, 2026: Participants march down the parade route during the annual Carol Stream Independence Day Parade in Carol Stream, Ill., Saturday, July 4, 2026. Despite a week-long regional heat wave, the community-funded tradition—a village staple since 1987—drew large crowds for the nearly two-hour event, which honored local military veterans as the collective Grand Marshal. (GMedia Group/Zachary Gebis)
CAROL STREAM, Ill. — July 4, 2026: Participants march down the parade route during the annual Carol Stream Independence Day Parade in Carol Stream, Ill., Saturday, July 4, 2026. Despite a week-long regional heat wave, the community-funded tradition—a village staple since 1987—drew large crowds for the nearly two-hour event, which honored local military veterans as the collective Grand Marshal. (GMedia Group/Zachary Gebis)
CAROL STREAM, Ill. — July 4, 2026: Participants march down the parade route during the annual Carol Stream Independence Day Parade in Carol Stream, Ill., Saturday, July 4, 2026. Despite a week-long regional heat wave, the community-funded tradition—a village staple since 1987—drew large crowds for the nearly two-hour event, which honored local military veterans as the collective Grand Marshal. (GMedia Group/Zachary Gebis)
CAROL STREAM, Ill. — July 4, 2026: Participants march down the parade route during the annual Carol Stream Independence Day Parade in Carol Stream, Ill., Saturday, July 4, 2026. Despite a week-long regional heat wave, the community-funded tradition—a village staple since 1987—drew large crowds for the nearly two-hour event, which honored local military veterans as the collective Grand Marshal. (GMedia Group/Zachary Gebis)
CAROL STREAM, Ill. — July 4, 2026: Participants march down the parade route during the annual Carol Stream Independence Day Parade in Carol Stream, Ill., Saturday, July 4, 2026. Despite a week-long regional heat wave, the community-funded tradition—a village staple since 1987—drew large crowds for the nearly two-hour event, which honored local military veterans as the collective Grand Marshal. (GMedia Group/Zachary Gebis)
CAROL STREAM, Ill. — July 4, 2026: Participants march down the parade route during the annual Carol Stream Independence Day Parade in Carol Stream, Ill., Saturday, July 4, 2026. Despite a week-long regional heat wave, the community-funded tradition—a village staple since 1987—drew large crowds for the nearly two-hour event, which honored local military veterans as the collective Grand Marshal. (GMedia Group/Zachary Gebis)
CAROL STREAM, Ill. — July 4, 2026: Participants march down the parade route during the annual Carol Stream Independence Day Parade in Carol Stream, Ill., Saturday, July 4, 2026. Despite a week-long regional heat wave, the community-funded tradition—a village staple since 1987—drew large crowds for the nearly two-hour event, which honored local military veterans as the collective Grand Marshal. (GMedia Group/Zachary Gebis)
CAROL STREAM, Ill. — July 4, 2026: Participants march down the parade route during the annual Carol Stream Independence Day Parade in Carol Stream, Ill., Saturday, July 4, 2026. Despite a week-long regional heat wave, the community-funded tradition—a village staple since 1987—drew large crowds for the nearly two-hour event, which honored local military veterans as the collective Grand Marshal. (GMedia Group/Zachary Gebis)
CAROL STREAM, Ill. — July 4, 2026: Participants march down the parade route during the annual Carol Stream Independence Day Parade in Carol Stream, Ill., Saturday, July 4, 2026. Despite a week-long regional heat wave, the community-funded tradition—a village staple since 1987—drew large crowds for the nearly two-hour event, which honored local military veterans as the collective Grand Marshal. (GMedia Group/Zachary Gebis)
CAROL STREAM, Ill. — July 4, 2026: Participants march down the parade route during the annual Carol Stream Independence Day Parade in Carol Stream, Ill., Saturday, July 4, 2026. Despite a week-long regional heat wave, the community-funded tradition—a village staple since 1987—drew large crowds for the nearly two-hour event, which honored local military veterans as the collective Grand Marshal. (GMedia Group/Zachary Gebis)
CAROL STREAM, Ill. — July 4, 2026: Participants march down the parade route during the annual Carol Stream Independence Day Parade in Carol Stream, Ill., Saturday, July 4, 2026. Despite a week-long regional heat wave, the community-funded tradition—a village staple since 1987—drew large crowds for the nearly two-hour event, which honored local military veterans as the collective Grand Marshal. (GMedia Group/Zachary Gebis)
CAROL STREAM, Ill. — July 4, 2026: Participants march down the parade route during the annual Carol Stream Independence Day Parade in Carol Stream, Ill., Saturday, July 4, 2026. Despite a week-long regional heat wave, the community-funded tradition—a village staple since 1987—drew large crowds for the nearly two-hour event, which honored local military veterans as the collective Grand Marshal. (GMedia Group/Zachary Gebis)
CAROL STREAM, Ill. — July 4, 2026: Participants march down the parade route during the annual Carol Stream Independence Day Parade in Carol Stream, Ill., Saturday, July 4, 2026. Despite a week-long regional heat wave, the community-funded tradition—a village staple since 1987—drew large crowds for the nearly two-hour event, which honored local military veterans as the collective Grand Marshal. (GMedia Group/Zachary Gebis)
CAROL STREAM, Ill. — July 4, 2026: Participants march down the parade route during the annual Carol Stream Independence Day Parade in Carol Stream, Ill., Saturday, July 4, 2026. Despite a week-long regional heat wave, the community-funded tradition—a village staple since 1987—drew large crowds for the nearly two-hour event, which honored local military veterans as the collective Grand Marshal. (GMedia Group/Zachary Gebis)
CAROL STREAM, Ill. — July 4, 2026: Participants march down the parade route during the annual Carol Stream Independence Day Parade in Carol Stream, Ill., Saturday, July 4, 2026. Despite a week-long regional heat wave, the community-funded tradition—a village staple since 1987—drew large crowds for the nearly two-hour event, which honored local military veterans as the collective Grand Marshal. (GMedia Group/Zachary Gebis)
CAROL STREAM, Ill. — July 4, 2026: Participants march down the parade route during the annual Carol Stream Independence Day Parade in Carol Stream, Ill., Saturday, July 4, 2026. Despite a week-long regional heat wave, the community-funded tradition—a village staple since 1987—drew large crowds for the nearly two-hour event, which honored local military veterans as the collective Grand Marshal. (GMedia Group/Zachary Gebis)
CAROL STREAM, Ill. — July 4, 2026: Participants march down the parade route during the annual Carol Stream Independence Day Parade in Carol Stream, Ill., Saturday, July 4, 2026. Despite a week-long regional heat wave, the community-funded tradition—a village staple since 1987—drew large crowds for the nearly two-hour event, which honored local military veterans as the collective Grand Marshal. (GMedia Group/Zachary Gebis)
CAROL STREAM, Ill. — July 4, 2026: Participants march down the parade route during the annual Carol Stream Independence Day Parade in Carol Stream, Ill., Saturday, July 4, 2026. Despite a week-long regional heat wave, the community-funded tradition—a village staple since 1987—drew large crowds for the nearly two-hour event, which honored local military veterans as the collective Grand Marshal. (GMedia Group/Zachary Gebis)
CAROL STREAM, Ill. — July 4, 2026: Participants march down the parade route during the annual Carol Stream Independence Day Parade in Carol Stream, Ill., Saturday, July 4, 2026. Despite a week-long regional heat wave, the community-funded tradition—a village staple since 1987—drew large crowds for the nearly two-hour event, which honored local military veterans as the collective Grand Marshal. (GMedia Group/Zachary Gebis)
CAROL STREAM, Ill. — July 4, 2026: Participants march down the parade route during the annual Carol Stream Independence Day Parade in Carol Stream, Ill., Saturday, July 4, 2026. Despite a week-long regional heat wave, the community-funded tradition—a village staple since 1987—drew large crowds for the nearly two-hour event, which honored local military veterans as the collective Grand Marshal. (GMedia Group/Zachary Gebis)
CAROL STREAM, Ill. — July 4, 2026: Participants march down the parade route during the annual Carol Stream Independence Day Parade in Carol Stream, Ill., Saturday, July 4, 2026. Despite a week-long regional heat wave, the community-funded tradition—a village staple since 1987—drew large crowds for the nearly two-hour event, which honored local military veterans as the collective Grand Marshal. (GMedia Group/Zachary Gebis)
CAROL STREAM, Ill. — July 4, 2026: Participants march down the parade route during the annual Carol Stream Independence Day Parade in Carol Stream, Ill., Saturday, July 4, 2026. Despite a week-long regional heat wave, the community-funded tradition—a village staple since 1987—drew large crowds for the nearly two-hour event, which honored local military veterans as the collective Grand Marshal. (GMedia Group/Zachary Gebis)
CAROL STREAM, Ill. — July 4, 2026: Participants march down the parade route during the annual Carol Stream Independence Day Parade in Carol Stream, Ill., Saturday, July 4, 2026. Despite a week-long regional heat wave, the community-funded tradition—a village staple since 1987—drew large crowds for the nearly two-hour event, which honored local military veterans as the collective Grand Marshal. (GMedia Group/Zachary Gebis)
CAROL STREAM, Ill. — July 4, 2026: Participants march down the parade route during the annual Carol Stream Independence Day Parade in Carol Stream, Ill., Saturday, July 4, 2026. Despite a week-long regional heat wave, the community-funded tradition—a village staple since 1987—drew large crowds for the nearly two-hour event, which honored local military veterans as the collective Grand Marshal. (GMedia Group/Zachary Gebis)
CAROL STREAM, Ill. — July 4, 2026: Participants march down the parade route during the annual Carol Stream Independence Day Parade in Carol Stream, Ill., Saturday, July 4, 2026. Despite a week-long regional heat wave, the community-funded tradition—a village staple since 1987—drew large crowds for the nearly two-hour event, which honored local military veterans as the collective Grand Marshal. (GMedia Group/Zachary Gebis)
CAROL STREAM, Ill. — July 4, 2026: Participants march down the parade route during the annual Carol Stream Independence Day Parade in Carol Stream, Ill., Saturday, July 4, 2026. Despite a week-long regional heat wave, the community-funded tradition—a village staple since 1987—drew large crowds for the nearly two-hour event, which honored local military veterans as the collective Grand Marshal. (GMedia Group/Zachary Gebis)
CAROL STREAM, Ill. — July 4, 2026: Participants march down the parade route during the annual Carol Stream Independence Day Parade in Carol Stream, Ill., Saturday, July 4, 2026. Despite a week-long regional heat wave, the community-funded tradition—a village staple since 1987—drew large crowds for the nearly two-hour event, which honored local military veterans as the collective Grand Marshal. (GMedia Group/Zachary Gebis)
CAROL STREAM, Ill. — July 4, 2026: Participants march down the parade route during the annual Carol Stream Independence Day Parade in Carol Stream, Ill., Saturday, July 4, 2026. Despite a week-long regional heat wave, the community-funded tradition—a village staple since 1987—drew large crowds for the nearly two-hour event, which honored local military veterans as the collective Grand Marshal. (GMedia Group/Zachary Gebis)
CAROL STREAM, Ill. — July 4, 2026: Participants march down the parade route during the annual Carol Stream Independence Day Parade in Carol Stream, Ill., Saturday, July 4, 2026. Despite a week-long regional heat wave, the community-funded tradition—a village staple since 1987—drew large crowds for the nearly two-hour event, which honored local military veterans as the collective Grand Marshal. (GMedia Group/Zachary Gebis)
CAROL STREAM, Ill. — July 4, 2026: Participants march down the parade route during the annual Carol Stream Independence Day Parade in Carol Stream, Ill., Saturday, July 4, 2026. Despite a week-long regional heat wave, the community-funded tradition—a village staple since 1987—drew large crowds for the nearly two-hour event, which honored local military veterans as the collective Grand Marshal. (GMedia Group/Zachary Gebis)
CAROL STREAM, Ill. — July 4, 2026: Participants march down the parade route during the annual Carol Stream Independence Day Parade in Carol Stream, Ill., Saturday, July 4, 2026. Despite a week-long regional heat wave, the community-funded tradition—a village staple since 1987—drew large crowds for the nearly two-hour event, which honored local military veterans as the collective Grand Marshal. (GMedia Group/Zachary Gebis)
CAROL STREAM, Ill. — July 4, 2026: Participants march down the parade route during the annual Carol Stream Independence Day Parade in Carol Stream, Ill., Saturday, July 4, 2026. Despite a week-long regional heat wave, the community-funded tradition—a village staple since 1987—drew large crowds for the nearly two-hour event, which honored local military veterans as the collective Grand Marshal. (GMedia Group/Zachary Gebis)
CAROL STREAM, Ill. — July 4, 2026: Participants march down the parade route during the annual Carol Stream Independence Day Parade in Carol Stream, Ill., Saturday, July 4, 2026. Despite a week-long regional heat wave, the community-funded tradition—a village staple since 1987—drew large crowds for the nearly two-hour event, which honored local military veterans as the collective Grand Marshal. (GMedia Group/Zachary Gebis)
CAROL STREAM, Ill. — July 4, 2026: Participants march down the parade route during the annual Carol Stream Independence Day Parade in Carol Stream, Ill., Saturday, July 4, 2026. Despite a week-long regional heat wave, the community-funded tradition—a village staple since 1987—drew large crowds for the nearly two-hour event, which honored local military veterans as the collective Grand Marshal. (GMedia Group/Zachary Gebis)
CAROL STREAM, Ill. — July 4, 2026: Participants march down the parade route during the annual Carol Stream Independence Day Parade in Carol Stream, Ill., Saturday, July 4, 2026. Despite a week-long regional heat wave, the community-funded tradition—a village staple since 1987—drew large crowds for the nearly two-hour event, which honored local military veterans as the collective Grand Marshal. (GMedia Group/Zachary Gebis)
CAROL STREAM, Ill. — July 4, 2026: Participants march down the parade route during the annual Carol Stream Independence Day Parade in Carol Stream, Ill., Saturday, July 4, 2026. Despite a week-long regional heat wave, the community-funded tradition—a village staple since 1987—drew large crowds for the nearly two-hour event, which honored local military veterans as the collective Grand Marshal. (GMedia Group/Zachary Gebis)
CAROL STREAM, Ill. — July 4, 2026: Participants march down the parade route during the annual Carol Stream Independence Day Parade in Carol Stream, Ill., Saturday, July 4, 2026. Despite a week-long regional heat wave, the community-funded tradition—a village staple since 1987—drew large crowds for the nearly two-hour event, which honored local military veterans as the collective Grand Marshal. (GMedia Group/Zachary Gebis)
CAROL STREAM, Ill. — July 4, 2026: Participants march down the parade route during the annual Carol Stream Independence Day Parade in Carol Stream, Ill., Saturday, July 4, 2026. Despite a week-long regional heat wave, the community-funded tradition—a village staple since 1987—drew large crowds for the nearly two-hour event, which honored local military veterans as the collective Grand Marshal. (GMedia Group/Zachary Gebis)
CAROL STREAM, Ill. — July 4, 2026: Participants march down the parade route during the annual Carol Stream Independence Day Parade in Carol Stream, Ill., Saturday, July 4, 2026. Despite a week-long regional heat wave, the community-funded tradition—a village staple since 1987—drew large crowds for the nearly two-hour event, which honored local military veterans as the collective Grand Marshal. (GMedia Group/Zachary Gebis)
CAROL STREAM, Ill. — July 4, 2026: Participants march down the parade route during the annual Carol Stream Independence Day Parade in Carol Stream, Ill., Saturday, July 4, 2026. Despite a week-long regional heat wave, the community-funded tradition—a village staple since 1987—drew large crowds for the nearly two-hour event, which honored local military veterans as the collective Grand Marshal. (GMedia Group/Zachary Gebis)
CAROL STREAM, Ill. — July 4, 2026: Participants march down the parade route during the annual Carol Stream Independence Day Parade in Carol Stream, Ill., Saturday, July 4, 2026. Despite a week-long regional heat wave, the community-funded tradition—a village staple since 1987—drew large crowds for the nearly two-hour event, which honored local military veterans as the collective Grand Marshal. (GMedia Group/Zachary Gebis)
CAROL STREAM, Ill. — July 4, 2026: Participants march down the parade route during the annual Carol Stream Independence Day Parade in Carol Stream, Ill., Saturday, July 4, 2026. Despite a week-long regional heat wave, the community-funded tradition—a village staple since 1987—drew large crowds for the nearly two-hour event, which honored local military veterans as the collective Grand Marshal. (GMedia Group/Zachary Gebis)
CAROL STREAM, Ill. — July 4, 2026: Participants march down the parade route during the annual Carol Stream Independence Day Parade in Carol Stream, Ill., Saturday, July 4, 2026. Despite a week-long regional heat wave, the community-funded tradition—a village staple since 1987—drew large crowds for the nearly two-hour event, which honored local military veterans as the collective Grand Marshal. (GMedia Group/Zachary Gebis)
CAROL STREAM, Ill. — July 4, 2026: Participants march down the parade route during the annual Carol Stream Independence Day Parade in Carol Stream, Ill., Saturday, July 4, 2026. Despite a week-long regional heat wave, the community-funded tradition—a village staple since 1987—drew large crowds for the nearly two-hour event, which honored local military veterans as the collective Grand Marshal. (GMedia Group/Zachary Gebis)
CAROL STREAM, Ill. — July 4, 2026: Participants march down the parade route during the annual Carol Stream Independence Day Parade in Carol Stream, Ill., Saturday, July 4, 2026. Despite a week-long regional heat wave, the community-funded tradition—a village staple since 1987—drew large crowds for the nearly two-hour event, which honored local military veterans as the collective Grand Marshal. (GMedia Group/Zachary Gebis)
CAROL STREAM, Ill. — July 4, 2026: Participants march down the parade route during the annual Carol Stream Independence Day Parade in Carol Stream, Ill., Saturday, July 4, 2026. Despite a week-long regional heat wave, the community-funded tradition—a village staple since 1987—drew large crowds for the nearly two-hour event, which honored local military veterans as the collective Grand Marshal. (GMedia Group/Zachary Gebis)
CAROL STREAM, Ill. — July 4, 2026: Participants march down the parade route during the annual Carol Stream Independence Day Parade in Carol Stream, Ill., Saturday, July 4, 2026. Despite a week-long regional heat wave, the community-funded tradition—a village staple since 1987—drew large crowds for the nearly two-hour event, which honored local military veterans as the collective Grand Marshal. (GMedia Group/Zachary Gebis)
CAROL STREAM, Ill. — July 4, 2026: Participants march down the parade route during the annual Carol Stream Independence Day Parade in Carol Stream, Ill., Saturday, July 4, 2026. Despite a week-long regional heat wave, the community-funded tradition—a village staple since 1987—drew large crowds for the nearly two-hour event, which honored local military veterans as the collective Grand Marshal. (GMedia Group/Zachary Gebis)
CAROL STREAM, Ill. — July 4, 2026: Participants march down the parade route during the annual Carol Stream Independence Day Parade in Carol Stream, Ill., Saturday, July 4, 2026. Despite a week-long regional heat wave, the community-funded tradition—a village staple since 1987—drew large crowds for the nearly two-hour event, which honored local military veterans as the collective Grand Marshal. (GMedia Group/Zachary Gebis)
CAROL STREAM, Ill. — July 4, 2026: Participants march down the parade route during the annual Carol Stream Independence Day Parade in Carol Stream, Ill., Saturday, July 4, 2026. Despite a week-long regional heat wave, the community-funded tradition—a village staple since 1987—drew large crowds for the nearly two-hour event, which honored local military veterans as the collective Grand Marshal. (GMedia Group/Zachary Gebis)
CAROL STREAM, Ill. — July 4, 2026: Participants march down the parade route during the annual Carol Stream Independence Day Parade in Carol Stream, Ill., Saturday, July 4, 2026. Despite a week-long regional heat wave, the community-funded tradition—a village staple since 1987—drew large crowds for the nearly two-hour event, which honored local military veterans as the collective Grand Marshal. (GMedia Group/Zachary Gebis)
CAROL STREAM, Ill. — July 4, 2026: Participants march down the parade route during the annual Carol Stream Independence Day Parade in Carol Stream, Ill., Saturday, July 4, 2026. Despite a week-long regional heat wave, the community-funded tradition—a village staple since 1987—drew large crowds for the nearly two-hour event, which honored local military veterans as the collective Grand Marshal. (GMedia Group/Zachary Gebis)
CAROL STREAM, Ill. — July 4, 2026: Participants march down the parade route during the annual Carol Stream Independence Day Parade in Carol Stream, Ill., Saturday, July 4, 2026. Despite a week-long regional heat wave, the community-funded tradition—a village staple since 1987—drew large crowds for the nearly two-hour event, which honored local military veterans as the collective Grand Marshal. (GMedia Group/Zachary Gebis)
CAROL STREAM, Ill. — July 4, 2026: Participants march down the parade route during the annual Carol Stream Independence Day Parade in Carol Stream, Ill., Saturday, July 4, 2026. Despite a week-long regional heat wave, the community-funded tradition—a village staple since 1987—drew large crowds for the nearly two-hour event, which honored local military veterans as the collective Grand Marshal. (GMedia Group/Zachary Gebis)
CAROL STREAM, Ill. — July 4, 2026: Participants march down the parade route during the annual Carol Stream Independence Day Parade in Carol Stream, Ill., Saturday, July 4, 2026. Despite a week-long regional heat wave, the community-funded tradition—a village staple since 1987—drew large crowds for the nearly two-hour event, which honored local military veterans as the collective Grand Marshal. (GMedia Group/Zachary Gebis)
CAROL STREAM, Ill. — July 4, 2026: Participants march down the parade route during the annual Carol Stream Independence Day Parade in Carol Stream, Ill., Saturday, July 4, 2026. Despite a week-long regional heat wave, the community-funded tradition—a village staple since 1987—drew large crowds for the nearly two-hour event, which honored local military veterans as the collective Grand Marshal. (GMedia Group/Zachary Gebis)
CAROL STREAM, Ill. — July 4, 2026: Participants march down the parade route during the annual Carol Stream Independence Day Parade in Carol Stream, Ill., Saturday, July 4, 2026. Despite a week-long regional heat wave, the community-funded tradition—a village staple since 1987—drew large crowds for the nearly two-hour event, which honored local military veterans as the collective Grand Marshal. (GMedia Group/Zachary Gebis)
CAROL STREAM, Ill. — July 4, 2026: Participants march down the parade route during the annual Carol Stream Independence Day Parade in Carol Stream, Ill., Saturday, July 4, 2026. Despite a week-long regional heat wave, the community-funded tradition—a village staple since 1987—drew large crowds for the nearly two-hour event, which honored local military veterans as the collective Grand Marshal. (GMedia Group/Zachary Gebis)
CAROL STREAM, Ill. — July 4, 2026: Participants march down the parade route during the annual Carol Stream Independence Day Parade in Carol Stream, Ill., Saturday, July 4, 2026. Despite a week-long regional heat wave, the community-funded tradition—a village staple since 1987—drew large crowds for the nearly two-hour event, which honored local military veterans as the collective Grand Marshal. (GMedia Group/Zachary Gebis)
CAROL STREAM, Ill. — July 4, 2026: Participants march down the parade route during the annual Carol Stream Independence Day Parade in Carol Stream, Ill., Saturday, July 4, 2026. Despite a week-long regional heat wave, the community-funded tradition—a village staple since 1987—drew large crowds for the nearly two-hour event, which honored local military veterans as the collective Grand Marshal. (GMedia Group/Zachary Gebis)
CAROL STREAM, Ill. — July 4, 2026: Participants march down the parade route during the annual Carol Stream Independence Day Parade in Carol Stream, Ill., Saturday, July 4, 2026. Despite a week-long regional heat wave, the community-funded tradition—a village staple since 1987—drew large crowds for the nearly two-hour event, which honored local military veterans as the collective Grand Marshal. (GMedia Group/Zachary Gebis)
CAROL STREAM, Ill. — July 4, 2026: Participants march down the parade route during the annual Carol Stream Independence Day Parade in Carol Stream, Ill., Saturday, July 4, 2026. Despite a week-long regional heat wave, the community-funded tradition—a village staple since 1987—drew large crowds for the nearly two-hour event, which honored local military veterans as the collective Grand Marshal. (GMedia Group/Zachary Gebis)
CAROL STREAM, Ill. — July 4, 2026: Participants march down the parade route during the annual Carol Stream Independence Day Parade in Carol Stream, Ill., Saturday, July 4, 2026. Despite a week-long regional heat wave, the community-funded tradition—a village staple since 1987—drew large crowds for the nearly two-hour event, which honored local military veterans as the collective Grand Marshal. (GMedia Group/Zachary Gebis)
CAROL STREAM, Ill. — July 4, 2026: Participants march down the parade route during the annual Carol Stream Independence Day Parade in Carol Stream, Ill., Saturday, July 4, 2026. Despite a week-long regional heat wave, the community-funded tradition—a village staple since 1987—drew large crowds for the nearly two-hour event, which honored local military veterans as the collective Grand Marshal. (GMedia Group/Zachary Gebis)
CAROL STREAM, Ill. — July 4, 2026: Participants march down the parade route during the annual Carol Stream Independence Day Parade in Carol Stream, Ill., Saturday, July 4, 2026. Despite a week-long regional heat wave, the community-funded tradition—a village staple since 1987—drew large crowds for the nearly two-hour event, which honored local military veterans as the collective Grand Marshal. (GMedia Group/Zachary Gebis)
CAROL STREAM, Ill. — July 4, 2026: Participants march down the parade route during the annual Carol Stream Independence Day Parade in Carol Stream, Ill., Saturday, July 4, 2026. Despite a week-long regional heat wave, the community-funded tradition—a village staple since 1987—drew large crowds for the nearly two-hour event, which honored local military veterans as the collective Grand Marshal. (GMedia Group/Zachary Gebis)
CAROL STREAM, Ill. — July 4, 2026: Participants march down the parade route during the annual Carol Stream Independence Day Parade in Carol Stream, Ill., Saturday, July 4, 2026. Despite a week-long regional heat wave, the community-funded tradition—a village staple since 1987—drew large crowds for the nearly two-hour event, which honored local military veterans as the collective Grand Marshal. (GMedia Group/Zachary Gebis)
CAROL STREAM, Ill. — July 4, 2026: Participants march down the parade route during the annual Carol Stream Independence Day Parade in Carol Stream, Ill., Saturday, July 4, 2026. Despite a week-long regional heat wave, the community-funded tradition—a village staple since 1987—drew large crowds for the nearly two-hour event, which honored local military veterans as the collective Grand Marshal. (GMedia Group/Zachary Gebis)
CAROL STREAM, Ill. — July 4, 2026: Participants march down the parade route during the annual Carol Stream Independence Day Parade in Carol Stream, Ill., Saturday, July 4, 2026. Despite a week-long regional heat wave, the community-funded tradition—a village staple since 1987—drew large crowds for the nearly two-hour event, which honored local military veterans as the collective Grand Marshal. (GMedia Group/Zachary Gebis)
CAROL STREAM, Ill. — July 4, 2026: Participants march down the parade route during the annual Carol Stream Independence Day Parade in Carol Stream, Ill., Saturday, July 4, 2026. Despite a week-long regional heat wave, the community-funded tradition—a village staple since 1987—drew large crowds for the nearly two-hour event, which honored local military veterans as the collective Grand Marshal. (GMedia Group/Zachary Gebis)
CAROL STREAM, Ill. — July 4, 2026: Participants march down the parade route during the annual Carol Stream Independence Day Parade in Carol Stream, Ill., Saturday, July 4, 2026. Despite a week-long regional heat wave, the community-funded tradition—a village staple since 1987—drew large crowds for the nearly two-hour event, which honored local military veterans as the collective Grand Marshal. (GMedia Group/Zachary Gebis)
CAROL STREAM, Ill. — July 4, 2026: Participants march down the parade route during the annual Carol Stream Independence Day Parade in Carol Stream, Ill., Saturday, July 4, 2026. Despite a week-long regional heat wave, the community-funded tradition—a village staple since 1987—drew large crowds for the nearly two-hour event, which honored local military veterans as the collective Grand Marshal. (GMedia Group/Zachary Gebis)
CAROL STREAM, Ill. — July 4, 2026: Participants march down the parade route during the annual Carol Stream Independence Day Parade in Carol Stream, Ill., Saturday, July 4, 2026. Despite a week-long regional heat wave, the community-funded tradition—a village staple since 1987—drew large crowds for the nearly two-hour event, which honored local military veterans as the collective Grand Marshal. (GMedia Group/Zachary Gebis)
CAROL STREAM, Ill. — July 4, 2026: Participants march down the parade route during the annual Carol Stream Independence Day Parade in Carol Stream, Ill., Saturday, July 4, 2026. Despite a week-long regional heat wave, the community-funded tradition—a village staple since 1987—drew large crowds for the nearly two-hour event, which honored local military veterans as the collective Grand Marshal. (GMedia Group/Zachary Gebis)
CAROL STREAM, Ill. — July 4, 2026: Participants march down the parade route during the annual Carol Stream Independence Day Parade in Carol Stream, Ill., Saturday, July 4, 2026. Despite a week-long regional heat wave, the community-funded tradition—a village staple since 1987—drew large crowds for the nearly two-hour event, which honored local military veterans as the collective Grand Marshal. (GMedia Group/Zachary Gebis)
CAROL STREAM, Ill. — July 4, 2026: Participants march down the parade route during the annual Carol Stream Independence Day Parade in Carol Stream, Ill., Saturday, July 4, 2026. Despite a week-long regional heat wave, the community-funded tradition—a village staple since 1987—drew large crowds for the nearly two-hour event, which honored local military veterans as the collective Grand Marshal. (GMedia Group/Zachary Gebis)
CAROL STREAM, Ill. — July 4, 2026: Participants march down the parade route during the annual Carol Stream Independence Day Parade in Carol Stream, Ill., Saturday, July 4, 2026. Despite a week-long regional heat wave, the community-funded tradition—a village staple since 1987—drew large crowds for the nearly two-hour event, which honored local military veterans as the collective Grand Marshal. (GMedia Group/Zachary Gebis)
CAROL STREAM, Ill. — July 4, 2026: Participants march down the parade route during the annual Carol Stream Independence Day Parade in Carol Stream, Ill., Saturday, July 4, 2026. Despite a week-long regional heat wave, the community-funded tradition—a village staple since 1987—drew large crowds for the nearly two-hour event, which honored local military veterans as the collective Grand Marshal. (GMedia Group/Zachary Gebis)
CAROL STREAM, Ill. — July 4, 2026: Participants march down the parade route during the annual Carol Stream Independence Day Parade in Carol Stream, Ill., Saturday, July 4, 2026. Despite a week-long regional heat wave, the community-funded tradition—a village staple since 1987—drew large crowds for the nearly two-hour event, which honored local military veterans as the collective Grand Marshal. (GMedia Group/Zachary Gebis)
CAROL STREAM, Ill. — July 4, 2026: Participants march down the parade route during the annual Carol Stream Independence Day Parade in Carol Stream, Ill., Saturday, July 4, 2026. Despite a week-long regional heat wave, the community-funded tradition—a village staple since 1987—drew large crowds for the nearly two-hour event, which honored local military veterans as the collective Grand Marshal. (GMedia Group/Zachary Gebis)
CAROL STREAM, Ill. — July 4, 2026: Participants march down the parade route during the annual Carol Stream Independence Day Parade in Carol Stream, Ill., Saturday, July 4, 2026. Despite a week-long regional heat wave, the community-funded tradition—a village staple since 1987—drew large crowds for the nearly two-hour event, which honored local military veterans as the collective Grand Marshal. (GMedia Group/Zachary Gebis)
CAROL STREAM, Ill. — July 4, 2026: Participants march down the parade route during the annual Carol Stream Independence Day Parade in Carol Stream, Ill., Saturday, July 4, 2026. Despite a week-long regional heat wave, the community-funded tradition—a village staple since 1987—drew large crowds for the nearly two-hour event, which honored local military veterans as the collective Grand Marshal. (GMedia Group/Zachary Gebis)
CAROL STREAM, Ill. — July 4, 2026: Participants march down the parade route during the annual Carol Stream Independence Day Parade in Carol Stream, Ill., Saturday, July 4, 2026. Despite a week-long regional heat wave, the community-funded tradition—a village staple since 1987—drew large crowds for the nearly two-hour event, which honored local military veterans as the collective Grand Marshal. (GMedia Group/Zachary Gebis)
CAROL STREAM, Ill. — July 4, 2026: Participants march down the parade route during the annual Carol Stream Independence Day Parade in Carol Stream, Ill., Saturday, July 4, 2026. Despite a week-long regional heat wave, the community-funded tradition—a village staple since 1987—drew large crowds for the nearly two-hour event, which honored local military veterans as the collective Grand Marshal. (GMedia Group/Zachary Gebis)
CAROL STREAM, Ill. — July 4, 2026: Participants march down the parade route during the annual Carol Stream Independence Day Parade in Carol Stream, Ill., Saturday, July 4, 2026. Despite a week-long regional heat wave, the community-funded tradition—a village staple since 1987—drew large crowds for the nearly two-hour event, which honored local military veterans as the collective Grand Marshal. (GMedia Group/Zachary Gebis)
CAROL STREAM, Ill. — July 4, 2026: Participants march down the parade route during the annual Carol Stream Independence Day Parade in Carol Stream, Ill., Saturday, July 4, 2026. Despite a week-long regional heat wave, the community-funded tradition—a village staple since 1987—drew large crowds for the nearly two-hour event, which honored local military veterans as the collective Grand Marshal. (GMedia Group/Zachary Gebis)
CAROL STREAM, Ill. — July 4, 2026: Participants march down the parade route during the annual Carol Stream Independence Day Parade in Carol Stream, Ill., Saturday, July 4, 2026. Despite a week-long regional heat wave, the community-funded tradition—a village staple since 1987—drew large crowds for the nearly two-hour event, which honored local military veterans as the collective Grand Marshal. (GMedia Group/Zachary Gebis)
CAROL STREAM, Ill. — July 4, 2026: Participants march down the parade route during the annual Carol Stream Independence Day Parade in Carol Stream, Ill., Saturday, July 4, 2026. Despite a week-long regional heat wave, the community-funded tradition—a village staple since 1987—drew large crowds for the nearly two-hour event, which honored local military veterans as the collective Grand Marshal. (GMedia Group/Zachary Gebis)
CAROL STREAM, Ill. — July 4, 2026: Participants march down the parade route during the annual Carol Stream Independence Day Parade in Carol Stream, Ill., Saturday, July 4, 2026. Despite a week-long regional heat wave, the community-funded tradition—a village staple since 1987—drew large crowds for the nearly two-hour event, which honored local military veterans as the collective Grand Marshal. (GMedia Group/Zachary Gebis)
CAROL STREAM, Ill. — July 4, 2026: Participants march down the parade route during the annual Carol Stream Independence Day Parade in Carol Stream, Ill., Saturday, July 4, 2026. Despite a week-long regional heat wave, the community-funded tradition—a village staple since 1987—drew large crowds for the nearly two-hour event, which honored local military veterans as the collective Grand Marshal. (GMedia Group/Zachary Gebis)
CAROL STREAM, Ill. — July 4, 2026: Participants march down the parade route during the annual Carol Stream Independence Day Parade in Carol Stream, Ill., Saturday, July 4, 2026. Despite a week-long regional heat wave, the community-funded tradition—a village staple since 1987—drew large crowds for the nearly two-hour event, which honored local military veterans as the collective Grand Marshal. (GMedia Group/Zachary Gebis)
CAROL STREAM, Ill. — July 4, 2026: Participants march down the parade route during the annual Carol Stream Independence Day Parade in Carol Stream, Ill., Saturday, July 4, 2026. Despite a week-long regional heat wave, the community-funded tradition—a village staple since 1987—drew large crowds for the nearly two-hour event, which honored local military veterans as the collective Grand Marshal. (GMedia Group/Zachary Gebis)
CAROL STREAM, Ill. — July 4, 2026: Participants march down the parade route during the annual Carol Stream Independence Day Parade in Carol Stream, Ill., Saturday, July 4, 2026. Despite a week-long regional heat wave, the community-funded tradition—a village staple since 1987—drew large crowds for the nearly two-hour event, which honored local military veterans as the collective Grand Marshal. (GMedia Group/Zachary Gebis)
CAROL STREAM, Ill. — July 4, 2026: Participants march down the parade route during the annual Carol Stream Independence Day Parade in Carol Stream, Ill., Saturday, July 4, 2026. Despite a week-long regional heat wave, the community-funded tradition—a village staple since 1987—drew large crowds for the nearly two-hour event, which honored local military veterans as the collective Grand Marshal. (GMedia Group/Zachary Gebis)
CAROL STREAM, Ill. — July 4, 2026: Participants march down the parade route during the annual Carol Stream Independence Day Parade in Carol Stream, Ill., Saturday, July 4, 2026. Despite a week-long regional heat wave, the community-funded tradition—a village staple since 1987—drew large crowds for the nearly two-hour event, which honored local military veterans as the collective Grand Marshal. (GMedia Group/Zachary Gebis)
CAROL STREAM, Ill. — July 4, 2026: Participants march down the parade route during the annual Carol Stream Independence Day Parade in Carol Stream, Ill., Saturday, July 4, 2026. Despite a week-long regional heat wave, the community-funded tradition—a village staple since 1987—drew large crowds for the nearly two-hour event, which honored local military veterans as the collective Grand Marshal. (GMedia Group/Zachary Gebis)
CAROL STREAM, Ill. — July 4, 2026: Participants march down the parade route during the annual Carol Stream Independence Day Parade in Carol Stream, Ill., Saturday, July 4, 2026. Despite a week-long regional heat wave, the community-funded tradition—a village staple since 1987—drew large crowds for the nearly two-hour event, which honored local military veterans as the collective Grand Marshal. (GMedia Group/Zachary Gebis)
CAROL STREAM, Ill. — July 4, 2026: Participants march down the parade route during the annual Carol Stream Independence Day Parade in Carol Stream, Ill., Saturday, July 4, 2026. Despite a week-long regional heat wave, the community-funded tradition—a village staple since 1987—drew large crowds for the nearly two-hour event, which honored local military veterans as the collective Grand Marshal. (GMedia Group/Zachary Gebis)
CAROL STREAM, Ill. — July 4, 2026: Participants march down the parade route during the annual Carol Stream Independence Day Parade in Carol Stream, Ill., Saturday, July 4, 2026. Despite a week-long regional heat wave, the community-funded tradition—a village staple since 1987—drew large crowds for the nearly two-hour event, which honored local military veterans as the collective Grand Marshal. (GMedia Group/Zachary Gebis)
CAROL STREAM, Ill. — July 4, 2026: Participants march down the parade route during the annual Carol Stream Independence Day Parade in Carol Stream, Ill., Saturday, July 4, 2026. Despite a week-long regional heat wave, the community-funded tradition—a village staple since 1987—drew large crowds for the nearly two-hour event, which honored local military veterans as the collective Grand Marshal. (GMedia Group/Zachary Gebis)
CAROL STREAM, Ill. — July 4, 2026: Participants march down the parade route during the annual Carol Stream Independence Day Parade in Carol Stream, Ill., Saturday, July 4, 2026. Despite a week-long regional heat wave, the community-funded tradition—a village staple since 1987—drew large crowds for the nearly two-hour event, which honored local military veterans as the collective Grand Marshal. (GMedia Group/Zachary Gebis)
CAROL STREAM, Ill. — July 4, 2026: Participants march down the parade route during the annual Carol Stream Independence Day Parade in Carol Stream, Ill., Saturday, July 4, 2026. Despite a week-long regional heat wave, the community-funded tradition—a village staple since 1987—drew large crowds for the nearly two-hour event, which honored local military veterans as the collective Grand Marshal. (GMedia Group/Zachary Gebis)
CAROL STREAM, Ill. — July 4, 2026: Participants march down the parade route during the annual Carol Stream Independence Day Parade in Carol Stream, Ill., Saturday, July 4, 2026. Despite a week-long regional heat wave, the community-funded tradition—a village staple since 1987—drew large crowds for the nearly two-hour event, which honored local military veterans as the collective Grand Marshal. (GMedia Group/Zachary Gebis)
CAROL STREAM, Ill. — July 4, 2026: Participants march down the parade route during the annual Carol Stream Independence Day Parade in Carol Stream, Ill., Saturday, July 4, 2026. Despite a week-long regional heat wave, the community-funded tradition—a village staple since 1987—drew large crowds for the nearly two-hour event, which honored local military veterans as the collective Grand Marshal. (GMedia Group/Zachary Gebis)
CAROL STREAM, Ill. — July 4, 2026: Participants march down the parade route during the annual Carol Stream Independence Day Parade in Carol Stream, Ill., Saturday, July 4, 2026. Despite a week-long regional heat wave, the community-funded tradition—a village staple since 1987—drew large crowds for the nearly two-hour event, which honored local military veterans as the collective Grand Marshal. (GMedia Group/Zachary Gebis)
CAROL STREAM, Ill. — July 4, 2026: Participants march down the parade route during the annual Carol Stream Independence Day Parade in Carol Stream, Ill., Saturday, July 4, 2026. Despite a week-long regional heat wave, the community-funded tradition—a village staple since 1987—drew large crowds for the nearly two-hour event, which honored local military veterans as the collective Grand Marshal. (GMedia Group/Zachary Gebis)
CAROL STREAM, Ill. — July 4, 2026: Participants march down the parade route during the annual Carol Stream Independence Day Parade in Carol Stream, Ill., Saturday, July 4, 2026. Despite a week-long regional heat wave, the community-funded tradition—a village staple since 1987—drew large crowds for the nearly two-hour event, which honored local military veterans as the collective Grand Marshal. (GMedia Group/Zachary Gebis)
CAROL STREAM, Ill. — July 4, 2026: Participants march down the parade route during the annual Carol Stream Independence Day Parade in Carol Stream, Ill., Saturday, July 4, 2026. Despite a week-long regional heat wave, the community-funded tradition—a village staple since 1987—drew large crowds for the nearly two-hour event, which honored local military veterans as the collective Grand Marshal. (GMedia Group/Zachary Gebis)
CAROL STREAM, Ill. — July 4, 2026: Participants march down the parade route during the annual Carol Stream Independence Day Parade in Carol Stream, Ill., Saturday, July 4, 2026. Despite a week-long regional heat wave, the community-funded tradition—a village staple since 1987—drew large crowds for the nearly two-hour event, which honored local military veterans as the collective Grand Marshal. (GMedia Group/Zachary Gebis)
CAROL STREAM, Ill. — July 4, 2026: Participants march down the parade route during the annual Carol Stream Independence Day Parade in Carol Stream, Ill., Saturday, July 4, 2026. Despite a week-long regional heat wave, the community-funded tradition—a village staple since 1987—drew large crowds for the nearly two-hour event, which honored local military veterans as the collective Grand Marshal. (GMedia Group/Zachary Gebis)
CAROL STREAM, Ill. — July 4, 2026: Participants march down the parade route during the annual Carol Stream Independence Day Parade in Carol Stream, Ill., Saturday, July 4, 2026. Despite a week-long regional heat wave, the community-funded tradition—a village staple since 1987—drew large crowds for the nearly two-hour event, which honored local military veterans as the collective Grand Marshal. (GMedia Group/Zachary Gebis)
CAROL STREAM, Ill. — July 4, 2026: Participants march down the parade route during the annual Carol Stream Independence Day Parade in Carol Stream, Ill., Saturday, July 4, 2026. Despite a week-long regional heat wave, the community-funded tradition—a village staple since 1987—drew large crowds for the nearly two-hour event, which honored local military veterans as the collective Grand Marshal. (GMedia Group/Zachary Gebis)
CAROL STREAM, Ill. — July 4, 2026: Participants march down the parade route during the annual Carol Stream Independence Day Parade in Carol Stream, Ill., Saturday, July 4, 2026. Despite a week-long regional heat wave, the community-funded tradition—a village staple since 1987—drew large crowds for the nearly two-hour event, which honored local military veterans as the collective Grand Marshal. (GMedia Group/Zachary Gebis)
CAROL STREAM, Ill. — July 4, 2026: Participants march down the parade route during the annual Carol Stream Independence Day Parade in Carol Stream, Ill., Saturday, July 4, 2026. Despite a week-long regional heat wave, the community-funded tradition—a village staple since 1987—drew large crowds for the nearly two-hour event, which honored local military veterans as the collective Grand Marshal. (GMedia Group/Zachary Gebis)
CAROL STREAM, Ill. — July 4, 2026: Participants march down the parade route during the annual Carol Stream Independence Day Parade in Carol Stream, Ill., Saturday, July 4, 2026. Despite a week-long regional heat wave, the community-funded tradition—a village staple since 1987—drew large crowds for the nearly two-hour event, which honored local military veterans as the collective Grand Marshal. (GMedia Group/Zachary Gebis)
CAROL STREAM, Ill. — July 4, 2026: Participants march down the parade route during the annual Carol Stream Independence Day Parade in Carol Stream, Ill., Saturday, July 4, 2026. Despite a week-long regional heat wave, the community-funded tradition—a village staple since 1987—drew large crowds for the nearly two-hour event, which honored local military veterans as the collective Grand Marshal. (GMedia Group/Zachary Gebis)
CAROL STREAM, Ill. — July 4, 2026: Participants march down the parade route during the annual Carol Stream Independence Day Parade in Carol Stream, Ill., Saturday, July 4, 2026. Despite a week-long regional heat wave, the community-funded tradition—a village staple since 1987—drew large crowds for the nearly two-hour event, which honored local military veterans as the collective Grand Marshal. (GMedia Group/Zachary Gebis)
CAROL STREAM, Ill. — July 4, 2026: Participants march down the parade route during the annual Carol Stream Independence Day Parade in Carol Stream, Ill., Saturday, July 4, 2026. Despite a week-long regional heat wave, the community-funded tradition—a village staple since 1987—drew large crowds for the nearly two-hour event, which honored local military veterans as the collective Grand Marshal. (GMedia Group/Zachary Gebis)
CAROL STREAM, Ill. — July 4, 2026: Participants march down the parade route during the annual Carol Stream Independence Day Parade in Carol Stream, Ill., Saturday, July 4, 2026. Despite a week-long regional heat wave, the community-funded tradition—a village staple since 1987—drew large crowds for the nearly two-hour event, which honored local military veterans as the collective Grand Marshal. (GMedia Group/Zachary Gebis)
CAROL STREAM, Ill. — July 4, 2026: Participants march down the parade route during the annual Carol Stream Independence Day Parade in Carol Stream, Ill., Saturday, July 4, 2026. Despite a week-long regional heat wave, the community-funded tradition—a village staple since 1987—drew large crowds for the nearly two-hour event, which honored local military veterans as the collective Grand Marshal. (GMedia Group/Zachary Gebis)
CAROL STREAM, Ill. — July 4, 2026: Participants march down the parade route during the annual Carol Stream Independence Day Parade in Carol Stream, Ill., Saturday, July 4, 2026. Despite a week-long regional heat wave, the community-funded tradition—a village staple since 1987—drew large crowds for the nearly two-hour event, which honored local military veterans as the collective Grand Marshal. (GMedia Group/Zachary Gebis)
CAROL STREAM, Ill. — July 4, 2026: Participants march down the parade route during the annual Carol Stream Independence Day Parade in Carol Stream, Ill., Saturday, July 4, 2026. Despite a week-long regional heat wave, the community-funded tradition—a village staple since 1987—drew large crowds for the nearly two-hour event, which honored local military veterans as the collective Grand Marshal. (GMedia Group/Zachary Gebis)
CAROL STREAM, Ill. — July 4, 2026: Participants march down the parade route during the annual Carol Stream Independence Day Parade in Carol Stream, Ill., Saturday, July 4, 2026. Despite a week-long regional heat wave, the community-funded tradition—a village staple since 1987—drew large crowds for the nearly two-hour event, which honored local military veterans as the collective Grand Marshal. (GMedia Group/Zachary Gebis)
CAROL STREAM, Ill. — July 4, 2026: Participants march down the parade route during the annual Carol Stream Independence Day Parade in Carol Stream, Ill., Saturday, July 4, 2026. Despite a week-long regional heat wave, the community-funded tradition—a village staple since 1987—drew large crowds for the nearly two-hour event, which honored local military veterans as the collective Grand Marshal. (GMedia Group/Zachary Gebis)
CAROL STREAM, Ill. — July 4, 2026: Participants march down the parade route during the annual Carol Stream Independence Day Parade in Carol Stream, Ill., Saturday, July 4, 2026. Despite a week-long regional heat wave, the community-funded tradition—a village staple since 1987—drew large crowds for the nearly two-hour event, which honored local military veterans as the collective Grand Marshal. (GMedia Group/Zachary Gebis)
CAROL STREAM, Ill. — July 4, 2026: Participants march down the parade route during the annual Carol Stream Independence Day Parade in Carol Stream, Ill., Saturday, July 4, 2026. Despite a week-long regional heat wave, the community-funded tradition—a village staple since 1987—drew large crowds for the nearly two-hour event, which honored local military veterans as the collective Grand Marshal. (GMedia Group/Zachary Gebis)
CAROL STREAM, Ill. — July 4, 2026: Participants march down the parade route during the annual Carol Stream Independence Day Parade in Carol Stream, Ill., Saturday, July 4, 2026. Despite a week-long regional heat wave, the community-funded tradition—a village staple since 1987—drew large crowds for the nearly two-hour event, which honored local military veterans as the collective Grand Marshal. (GMedia Group/Zachary Gebis)
CAROL STREAM, Ill. — July 4, 2026: Participants march down the parade route during the annual Carol Stream Independence Day Parade in Carol Stream, Ill., Saturday, July 4, 2026. Despite a week-long regional heat wave, the community-funded tradition—a village staple since 1987—drew large crowds for the nearly two-hour event, which honored local military veterans as the collective Grand Marshal. (GMedia Group/Zachary Gebis)
CAROL STREAM, Ill. — July 4, 2026: Participants march down the parade route during the annual Carol Stream Independence Day Parade in Carol Stream, Ill., Saturday, July 4, 2026. Despite a week-long regional heat wave, the community-funded tradition—a village staple since 1987—drew large crowds for the nearly two-hour event, which honored local military veterans as the collective Grand Marshal. (GMedia Group/Zachary Gebis)
CAROL STREAM, Ill. — July 4, 2026: Participants march down the parade route during the annual Carol Stream Independence Day Parade in Carol Stream, Ill., Saturday, July 4, 2026. Despite a week-long regional heat wave, the community-funded tradition—a village staple since 1987—drew large crowds for the nearly two-hour event, which honored local military veterans as the collective Grand Marshal. (GMedia Group/Zachary Gebis)
CAROL STREAM, Ill. — July 4, 2026: Participants march down the parade route during the annual Carol Stream Independence Day Parade in Carol Stream, Ill., Saturday, July 4, 2026. Despite a week-long regional heat wave, the community-funded tradition—a village staple since 1987—drew large crowds for the nearly two-hour event, which honored local military veterans as the collective Grand Marshal. (GMedia Group/Zachary Gebis)
CAROL STREAM, Ill. — July 4, 2026: Participants march down the parade route during the annual Carol Stream Independence Day Parade in Carol Stream, Ill., Saturday, July 4, 2026. Despite a week-long regional heat wave, the community-funded tradition—a village staple since 1987—drew large crowds for the nearly two-hour event, which honored local military veterans as the collective Grand Marshal. (GMedia Group/Zachary Gebis)
CAROL STREAM, Ill. — July 4, 2026: Participants march down the parade route during the annual Carol Stream Independence Day Parade in Carol Stream, Ill., Saturday, July 4, 2026. Despite a week-long regional heat wave, the community-funded tradition—a village staple since 1987—drew large crowds for the nearly two-hour event, which honored local military veterans as the collective Grand Marshal. (GMedia Group/Zachary Gebis)
CAROL STREAM, Ill. — July 4, 2026: Participants march down the parade route during the annual Carol Stream Independence Day Parade in Carol Stream, Ill., Saturday, July 4, 2026. Despite a week-long regional heat wave, the community-funded tradition—a village staple since 1987—drew large crowds for the nearly two-hour event, which honored local military veterans as the collective Grand Marshal. (GMedia Group/Zachary Gebis)
CAROL STREAM, Ill. — July 4, 2026: Participants march down the parade route during the annual Carol Stream Independence Day Parade in Carol Stream, Ill., Saturday, July 4, 2026. Despite a week-long regional heat wave, the community-funded tradition—a village staple since 1987—drew large crowds for the nearly two-hour event, which honored local military veterans as the collective Grand Marshal. (GMedia Group/Zachary Gebis)
CAROL STREAM, Ill. — July 4, 2026: Participants march down the parade route during the annual Carol Stream Independence Day Parade in Carol Stream, Ill., Saturday, July 4, 2026. Despite a week-long regional heat wave, the community-funded tradition—a village staple since 1987—drew large crowds for the nearly two-hour event, which honored local military veterans as the collective Grand Marshal. (GMedia Group/Zachary Gebis)
CAROL STREAM, Ill. — July 4, 2026: Participants march down the parade route during the annual Carol Stream Independence Day Parade in Carol Stream, Ill., Saturday, July 4, 2026. Despite a week-long regional heat wave, the community-funded tradition—a village staple since 1987—drew large crowds for the nearly two-hour event, which honored local military veterans as the collective Grand Marshal. (GMedia Group/Zachary Gebis)
CAROL STREAM, Ill. — July 4, 2026: Participants march down the parade route during the annual Carol Stream Independence Day Parade in Carol Stream, Ill., Saturday, July 4, 2026. Despite a week-long regional heat wave, the community-funded tradition—a village staple since 1987—drew large crowds for the nearly two-hour event, which honored local military veterans as the collective Grand Marshal. (GMedia Group/Zachary Gebis)
CAROL STREAM, Ill. — July 4, 2026: Participants march down the parade route during the annual Carol Stream Independence Day Parade in Carol Stream, Ill., Saturday, July 4, 2026. Despite a week-long regional heat wave, the community-funded tradition—a village staple since 1987—drew large crowds for the nearly two-hour event, which honored local military veterans as the collective Grand Marshal. (GMedia Group/Zachary Gebis)
CAROL STREAM, Ill. — July 4, 2026: Participants march down the parade route during the annual Carol Stream Independence Day Parade in Carol Stream, Ill., Saturday, July 4, 2026. Despite a week-long regional heat wave, the community-funded tradition—a village staple since 1987—drew large crowds for the nearly two-hour event, which honored local military veterans as the collective Grand Marshal. (GMedia Group/Zachary Gebis)
CAROL STREAM, Ill. — July 4, 2026: Participants march down the parade route during the annual Carol Stream Independence Day Parade in Carol Stream, Ill., Saturday, July 4, 2026. Despite a week-long regional heat wave, the community-funded tradition—a village staple since 1987—drew large crowds for the nearly two-hour event, which honored local military veterans as the collective Grand Marshal. (GMedia Group/Zachary Gebis)
CAROL STREAM, Ill. — July 4, 2026: Participants march down the parade route during the annual Carol Stream Independence Day Parade in Carol Stream, Ill., Saturday, July 4, 2026. Despite a week-long regional heat wave, the community-funded tradition—a village staple since 1987—drew large crowds for the nearly two-hour event, which honored local military veterans as the collective Grand Marshal. (GMedia Group/Zachary Gebis)
CAROL STREAM, Ill. — July 4, 2026: Participants march down the parade route during the annual Carol Stream Independence Day Parade in Carol Stream, Ill., Saturday, July 4, 2026. Despite a week-long regional heat wave, the community-funded tradition—a village staple since 1987—drew large crowds for the nearly two-hour event, which honored local military veterans as the collective Grand Marshal. (GMedia Group/Zachary Gebis)
CAROL STREAM, Ill. — July 4, 2026: Participants march down the parade route during the annual Carol Stream Independence Day Parade in Carol Stream, Ill., Saturday, July 4, 2026. Despite a week-long regional heat wave, the community-funded tradition—a village staple since 1987—drew large crowds for the nearly two-hour event, which honored local military veterans as the collective Grand Marshal. (GMedia Group/Zachary Gebis)
CAROL STREAM, Ill. — July 4, 2026: Participants march down the parade route during the annual Carol Stream Independence Day Parade in Carol Stream, Ill., Saturday, July 4, 2026. Despite a week-long regional heat wave, the community-funded tradition—a village staple since 1987—drew large crowds for the nearly two-hour event, which honored local military veterans as the collective Grand Marshal. (GMedia Group/Zachary Gebis)
CAROL STREAM, Ill. — July 4, 2026: Participants march down the parade route during the annual Carol Stream Independence Day Parade in Carol Stream, Ill., Saturday, July 4, 2026. Despite a week-long regional heat wave, the community-funded tradition—a village staple since 1987—drew large crowds for the nearly two-hour event, which honored local military veterans as the collective Grand Marshal. (GMedia Group/Zachary Gebis)
CAROL STREAM, Ill. — July 4, 2026: Participants march down the parade route during the annual Carol Stream Independence Day Parade in Carol Stream, Ill., Saturday, July 4, 2026. Despite a week-long regional heat wave, the community-funded tradition—a village staple since 1987—drew large crowds for the nearly two-hour event, which honored local military veterans as the collective Grand Marshal. (GMedia Group/Zachary Gebis)
CAROL STREAM, Ill. — July 4, 2026: Participants march down the parade route during the annual Carol Stream Independence Day Parade in Carol Stream, Ill., Saturday, July 4, 2026. Despite a week-long regional heat wave, the community-funded tradition—a village staple since 1987—drew large crowds for the nearly two-hour event, which honored local military veterans as the collective Grand Marshal. (GMedia Group/Zachary Gebis)
CAROL STREAM, Ill. — July 4, 2026: Participants march down the parade route during the annual Carol Stream Independence Day Parade in Carol Stream, Ill., Saturday, July 4, 2026. Despite a week-long regional heat wave, the community-funded tradition—a village staple since 1987—drew large crowds for the nearly two-hour event, which honored local military veterans as the collective Grand Marshal. (GMedia Group/Zachary Gebis)
CAROL STREAM, Ill. — July 4, 2026: Participants march down the parade route during the annual Carol Stream Independence Day Parade in Carol Stream, Ill., Saturday, July 4, 2026. Despite a week-long regional heat wave, the community-funded tradition—a village staple since 1987—drew large crowds for the nearly two-hour event, which honored local military veterans as the collective Grand Marshal. (GMedia Group/Zachary Gebis)
CAROL STREAM, Ill. — July 4, 2026: Participants march down the parade route during the annual Carol Stream Independence Day Parade in Carol Stream, Ill., Saturday, July 4, 2026. Despite a week-long regional heat wave, the community-funded tradition—a village staple since 1987—drew large crowds for the nearly two-hour event, which honored local military veterans as the collective Grand Marshal. (GMedia Group/Zachary Gebis)
CAROL STREAM, Ill. — July 4, 2026: Participants march down the parade route during the annual Carol Stream Independence Day Parade in Carol Stream, Ill., Saturday, July 4, 2026. Despite a week-long regional heat wave, the community-funded tradition—a village staple since 1987—drew large crowds for the nearly two-hour event, which honored local military veterans as the collective Grand Marshal. (GMedia Group/Zachary Gebis)
CAROL STREAM, Ill. — July 4, 2026: Participants march down the parade route during the annual Carol Stream Independence Day Parade in Carol Stream, Ill., Saturday, July 4, 2026. Despite a week-long regional heat wave, the community-funded tradition—a village staple since 1987—drew large crowds for the nearly two-hour event, which honored local military veterans as the collective Grand Marshal. (GMedia Group/Zachary Gebis)
CAROL STREAM, Ill. — July 4, 2026: Participants march down the parade route during the annual Carol Stream Independence Day Parade in Carol Stream, Ill., Saturday, July 4, 2026. Despite a week-long regional heat wave, the community-funded tradition—a village staple since 1987—drew large crowds for the nearly two-hour event, which honored local military veterans as the collective Grand Marshal. (GMedia Group/Zachary Gebis)
CAROL STREAM, Ill. — July 4, 2026: Participants march down the parade route during the annual Carol Stream Independence Day Parade in Carol Stream, Ill., Saturday, July 4, 2026. Despite a week-long regional heat wave, the community-funded tradition—a village staple since 1987—drew large crowds for the nearly two-hour event, which honored local military veterans as the collective Grand Marshal. (GMedia Group/Zachary Gebis)
CAROL STREAM, Ill. — July 4, 2026: Participants march down the parade route during the annual Carol Stream Independence Day Parade in Carol Stream, Ill., Saturday, July 4, 2026. Despite a week-long regional heat wave, the community-funded tradition—a village staple since 1987—drew large crowds for the nearly two-hour event, which honored local military veterans as the collective Grand Marshal. (GMedia Group/Zachary Gebis)
CAROL STREAM, Ill. — July 4, 2026: Participants march down the parade route during the annual Carol Stream Independence Day Parade in Carol Stream, Ill., Saturday, July 4, 2026. Despite a week-long regional heat wave, the community-funded tradition—a village staple since 1987—drew large crowds for the nearly two-hour event, which honored local military veterans as the collective Grand Marshal. (GMedia Group/Zachary Gebis)
CAROL STREAM, Ill. — July 4, 2026: Participants march down the parade route during the annual Carol Stream Independence Day Parade in Carol Stream, Ill., Saturday, July 4, 2026. Despite a week-long regional heat wave, the community-funded tradition—a village staple since 1987—drew large crowds for the nearly two-hour event, which honored local military veterans as the collective Grand Marshal. (GMedia Group/Zachary Gebis)
CAROL STREAM, Ill. — July 4, 2026: Participants march down the parade route during the annual Carol Stream Independence Day Parade in Carol Stream, Ill., Saturday, July 4, 2026. Despite a week-long regional heat wave, the community-funded tradition—a village staple since 1987—drew large crowds for the nearly two-hour event, which honored local military veterans as the collective Grand Marshal. (GMedia Group/Zachary Gebis)
CAROL STREAM, Ill. — July 4, 2026: Participants march down the parade route during the annual Carol Stream Independence Day Parade in Carol Stream, Ill., Saturday, July 4, 2026. Despite a week-long regional heat wave, the community-funded tradition—a village staple since 1987—drew large crowds for the nearly two-hour event, which honored local military veterans as the collective Grand Marshal. (GMedia Group/Zachary Gebis)
CAROL STREAM, Ill. — July 4, 2026: Participants march down the parade route during the annual Carol Stream Independence Day Parade in Carol Stream, Ill., Saturday, July 4, 2026. Despite a week-long regional heat wave, the community-funded tradition—a village staple since 1987—drew large crowds for the nearly two-hour event, which honored local military veterans as the collective Grand Marshal. (GMedia Group/Zachary Gebis)
CAROL STREAM, Ill. — July 4, 2026: Participants march down the parade route during the annual Carol Stream Independence Day Parade in Carol Stream, Ill., Saturday, July 4, 2026. Despite a week-long regional heat wave, the community-funded tradition—a village staple since 1987—drew large crowds for the nearly two-hour event, which honored local military veterans as the collective Grand Marshal. (GMedia Group/Zachary Gebis)
CAROL STREAM, Ill. — July 4, 2026: Participants march down the parade route during the annual Carol Stream Independence Day Parade in Carol Stream, Ill., Saturday, July 4, 2026. Despite a week-long regional heat wave, the community-funded tradition—a village staple since 1987—drew large crowds for the nearly two-hour event, which honored local military veterans as the collective Grand Marshal. (GMedia Group/Zachary Gebis)
CAROL STREAM, Ill. — July 4, 2026: Participants march down the parade route during the annual Carol Stream Independence Day Parade in Carol Stream, Ill., Saturday, July 4, 2026. Despite a week-long regional heat wave, the community-funded tradition—a village staple since 1987—drew large crowds for the nearly two-hour event, which honored local military veterans as the collective Grand Marshal. (GMedia Group/Zachary Gebis)
CAROL STREAM, Ill. — July 4, 2026: Participants march down the parade route during the annual Carol Stream Independence Day Parade in Carol Stream, Ill., Saturday, July 4, 2026. Despite a week-long regional heat wave, the community-funded tradition—a village staple since 1987—drew large crowds for the nearly two-hour event, which honored local military veterans as the collective Grand Marshal. (GMedia Group/Zachary Gebis)
CAROL STREAM, Ill. — July 4, 2026: Participants march down the parade route during the annual Carol Stream Independence Day Parade in Carol Stream, Ill., Saturday, July 4, 2026. Despite a week-long regional heat wave, the community-funded tradition—a village staple since 1987—drew large crowds for the nearly two-hour event, which honored local military veterans as the collective Grand Marshal. (GMedia Group/Zachary Gebis)
CAROL STREAM, Ill. — July 4, 2026: Participants march down the parade route during the annual Carol Stream Independence Day Parade in Carol Stream, Ill., Saturday, July 4, 2026. Despite a week-long regional heat wave, the community-funded tradition—a village staple since 1987—drew large crowds for the nearly two-hour event, which honored local military veterans as the collective Grand Marshal. (GMedia Group/Zachary Gebis)
CAROL STREAM, Ill. — July 4, 2026: Participants march down the parade route during the annual Carol Stream Independence Day Parade in Carol Stream, Ill., Saturday, July 4, 2026. Despite a week-long regional heat wave, the community-funded tradition—a village staple since 1987—drew large crowds for the nearly two-hour event, which honored local military veterans as the collective Grand Marshal. (GMedia Group/Zachary Gebis)
CAROL STREAM, Ill. — July 4, 2026: Participants march down the parade route during the annual Carol Stream Independence Day Parade in Carol Stream, Ill., Saturday, July 4, 2026. Despite a week-long regional heat wave, the community-funded tradition—a village staple since 1987—drew large crowds for the nearly two-hour event, which honored local military veterans as the collective Grand Marshal. (GMedia Group/Zachary Gebis)
CAROL STREAM, Ill. — July 4, 2026: Participants march down the parade route during the annual Carol Stream Independence Day Parade in Carol Stream, Ill., Saturday, July 4, 2026. Despite a week-long regional heat wave, the community-funded tradition—a village staple since 1987—drew large crowds for the nearly two-hour event, which honored local military veterans as the collective Grand Marshal. (GMedia Group/Zachary Gebis)
CAROL STREAM, Ill. — July 4, 2026: Participants march down the parade route during the annual Carol Stream Independence Day Parade in Carol Stream, Ill., Saturday, July 4, 2026. Despite a week-long regional heat wave, the community-funded tradition—a village staple since 1987—drew large crowds for the nearly two-hour event, which honored local military veterans as the collective Grand Marshal. (GMedia Group/Zachary Gebis)
CAROL STREAM, Ill. — July 4, 2026: Participants march down the parade route during the annual Carol Stream Independence Day Parade in Carol Stream, Ill., Saturday, July 4, 2026. Despite a week-long regional heat wave, the community-funded tradition—a village staple since 1987—drew large crowds for the nearly two-hour event, which honored local military veterans as the collective Grand Marshal. (GMedia Group/Zachary Gebis)
CAROL STREAM, Ill. — July 4, 2026: Participants march down the parade route during the annual Carol Stream Independence Day Parade in Carol Stream, Ill., Saturday, July 4, 2026. Despite a week-long regional heat wave, the community-funded tradition—a village staple since 1987—drew large crowds for the nearly two-hour event, which honored local military veterans as the collective Grand Marshal. (GMedia Group/Zachary Gebis)
CAROL STREAM, Ill. — July 4, 2026: Participants march down the parade route during the annual Carol Stream Independence Day Parade in Carol Stream, Ill., Saturday, July 4, 2026. Despite a week-long regional heat wave, the community-funded tradition—a village staple since 1987—drew large crowds for the nearly two-hour event, which honored local military veterans as the collective Grand Marshal. (GMedia Group/Zachary Gebis)
CAROL STREAM, Ill. — July 4, 2026: Participants march down the parade route during the annual Carol Stream Independence Day Parade in Carol Stream, Ill., Saturday, July 4, 2026. Despite a week-long regional heat wave, the community-funded tradition—a village staple since 1987—drew large crowds for the nearly two-hour event, which honored local military veterans as the collective Grand Marshal. (GMedia Group/Zachary Gebis)
CAROL STREAM, Ill. — July 4, 2026: Participants march down the parade route during the annual Carol Stream Independence Day Parade in Carol Stream, Ill., Saturday, July 4, 2026. Despite a week-long regional heat wave, the community-funded tradition—a village staple since 1987—drew large crowds for the nearly two-hour event, which honored local military veterans as the collective Grand Marshal. (GMedia Group/Zachary Gebis)
CAROL STREAM, Ill. — July 4, 2026: Participants march down the parade route during the annual Carol Stream Independence Day Parade in Carol Stream, Ill., Saturday, July 4, 2026. Despite a week-long regional heat wave, the community-funded tradition—a village staple since 1987—drew large crowds for the nearly two-hour event, which honored local military veterans as the collective Grand Marshal. (GMedia Group/Zachary Gebis)
CAROL STREAM, Ill. — July 4, 2026: Participants march down the parade route during the annual Carol Stream Independence Day Parade in Carol Stream, Ill., Saturday, July 4, 2026. Despite a week-long regional heat wave, the community-funded tradition—a village staple since 1987—drew large crowds for the nearly two-hour event, which honored local military veterans as the collective Grand Marshal. (GMedia Group/Zachary Gebis)
CAROL STREAM, Ill. — July 4, 2026: Participants march down the parade route during the annual Carol Stream Independence Day Parade in Carol Stream, Ill., Saturday, July 4, 2026. Despite a week-long regional heat wave, the community-funded tradition—a village staple since 1987—drew large crowds for the nearly two-hour event, which honored local military veterans as the collective Grand Marshal. (GMedia Group/Zachary Gebis)
CAROL STREAM, Ill. — July 4, 2026: Participants march down the parade route during the annual Carol Stream Independence Day Parade in Carol Stream, Ill., Saturday, July 4, 2026. Despite a week-long regional heat wave, the community-funded tradition—a village staple since 1987—drew large crowds for the nearly two-hour event, which honored local military veterans as the collective Grand Marshal. (GMedia Group/Zachary Gebis)
CAROL STREAM, Ill. — July 4, 2026: Participants march down the parade route during the annual Carol Stream Independence Day Parade in Carol Stream, Ill., Saturday, July 4, 2026. Despite a week-long regional heat wave, the community-funded tradition—a village staple since 1987—drew large crowds for the nearly two-hour event, which honored local military veterans as the collective Grand Marshal. (GMedia Group/Zachary Gebis)
CAROL STREAM, Ill. — July 4, 2026: Participants march down the parade route during the annual Carol Stream Independence Day Parade in Carol Stream, Ill., Saturday, July 4, 2026. Despite a week-long regional heat wave, the community-funded tradition—a village staple since 1987—drew large crowds for the nearly two-hour event, which honored local military veterans as the collective Grand Marshal. (GMedia Group/Zachary Gebis)
CAROL STREAM, Ill. — July 4, 2026: Participants march down the parade route during the annual Carol Stream Independence Day Parade in Carol Stream, Ill., Saturday, July 4, 2026. Despite a week-long regional heat wave, the community-funded tradition—a village staple since 1987—drew large crowds for the nearly two-hour event, which honored local military veterans as the collective Grand Marshal. (GMedia Group/Zachary Gebis)
CAROL STREAM, Ill. — July 4, 2026: Participants march down the parade route during the annual Carol Stream Independence Day Parade in Carol Stream, Ill., Saturday, July 4, 2026. Despite a week-long regional heat wave, the community-funded tradition—a village staple since 1987—drew large crowds for the nearly two-hour event, which honored local military veterans as the collective Grand Marshal. (GMedia Group/Zachary Gebis)
CAROL STREAM, Ill. — July 4, 2026: Participants march down the parade route during the annual Carol Stream Independence Day Parade in Carol Stream, Ill., Saturday, July 4, 2026. Despite a week-long regional heat wave, the community-funded tradition—a village staple since 1987—drew large crowds for the nearly two-hour event, which honored local military veterans as the collective Grand Marshal. (GMedia Group/Zachary Gebis)
CAROL STREAM, Ill. — July 4, 2026: Participants march down the parade route during the annual Carol Stream Independence Day Parade in Carol Stream, Ill., Saturday, July 4, 2026. Despite a week-long regional heat wave, the community-funded tradition—a village staple since 1987—drew large crowds for the nearly two-hour event, which honored local military veterans as the collective Grand Marshal. (GMedia Group/Zachary Gebis)
CAROL STREAM, Ill. — July 4, 2026: Participants march down the parade route during the annual Carol Stream Independence Day Parade in Carol Stream, Ill., Saturday, July 4, 2026. Despite a week-long regional heat wave, the community-funded tradition—a village staple since 1987—drew large crowds for the nearly two-hour event, which honored local military veterans as the collective Grand Marshal. (GMedia Group/Zachary Gebis)
2026 CS 4th July Parade-111
CAROL STREAM, Ill. — July 4, 2026: Participants march down the parade route during the annual Carol Stream Independence Day Parade in Carol Stream, Ill., Saturday, July 4, 2026. Despite a week-long regional heat wave, the community-funded tradition—a village staple since 1987—drew large crowds for the nearly two-hour event, which honored local military veterans as the collective Grand Marshal. (GMedia Group/Zachary Gebis)
CAROL STREAM, Ill. — July 4, 2026: Participants march down the parade route during the annual Carol Stream Independence Day Parade in Carol Stream, Ill., Saturday, July 4, 2026. Despite a week-long regional heat wave, the community-funded tradition—a village staple since 1987—drew large crowds for the nearly two-hour event, which honored local military veterans as the collective Grand Marshal. (GMedia Group/Zachary Gebis)
CAROL STREAM, Ill. — July 4, 2026: Participants march down the parade route during the annual Carol Stream Independence Day Parade in Carol Stream, Ill., Saturday, July 4, 2026. Despite a week-long regional heat wave, the community-funded tradition—a village staple since 1987—drew large crowds for the nearly two-hour event, which honored local military veterans as the collective Grand Marshal. (GMedia Group/Zachary Gebis)
CAROL STREAM, Ill. — July 4, 2026: Participants march down the parade route during the annual Carol Stream Independence Day Parade in Carol Stream, Ill., Saturday, July 4, 2026. Despite a week-long regional heat wave, the community-funded tradition—a village staple since 1987—drew large crowds for the nearly two-hour event, which honored local military veterans as the collective Grand Marshal. (GMedia Group/Zachary Gebis)
CAROL STREAM, Ill. — July 4, 2026: Participants march down the parade route during the annual Carol Stream Independence Day Parade in Carol Stream, Ill., Saturday, July 4, 2026. Despite a week-long regional heat wave, the community-funded tradition—a village staple since 1987—drew large crowds for the nearly two-hour event, which honored local military veterans as the collective Grand Marshal. (GMedia Group/Zachary Gebis)
CAROL STREAM, Ill. — July 4, 2026: Participants march down the parade route during the annual Carol Stream Independence Day Parade in Carol Stream, Ill., Saturday, July 4, 2026. Despite a week-long regional heat wave, the community-funded tradition—a village staple since 1987—drew large crowds for the nearly two-hour event, which honored local military veterans as the collective Grand Marshal. (GMedia Group/Zachary Gebis)
CAROL STREAM, Ill. — July 4, 2026: Participants march down the parade route during the annual Carol Stream Independence Day Parade in Carol Stream, Ill., Saturday, July 4, 2026. Despite a week-long regional heat wave, the community-funded tradition—a village staple since 1987—drew large crowds for the nearly two-hour event, which honored local military veterans as the collective Grand Marshal. (GMedia Group/Zachary Gebis)
CAROL STREAM, Ill. — July 4, 2026: Participants march down the parade route during the annual Carol Stream Independence Day Parade in Carol Stream, Ill., Saturday, July 4, 2026. Despite a week-long regional heat wave, the community-funded tradition—a village staple since 1987—drew large crowds for the nearly two-hour event, which honored local military veterans as the collective Grand Marshal. (GMedia Group/Zachary Gebis)
CAROL STREAM, Ill. — July 4, 2026: Participants march down the parade route during the annual Carol Stream Independence Day Parade in Carol Stream, Ill., Saturday, July 4, 2026. Despite a week-long regional heat wave, the community-funded tradition—a village staple since 1987—drew large crowds for the nearly two-hour event, which honored local military veterans as the collective Grand Marshal. (GMedia Group/Zachary Gebis)
CAROL STREAM, Ill. — July 4, 2026: Participants march down the parade route during the annual Carol Stream Independence Day Parade in Carol Stream, Ill., Saturday, July 4, 2026. Despite a week-long regional heat wave, the community-funded tradition—a village staple since 1987—drew large crowds for the nearly two-hour event, which honored local military veterans as the collective Grand Marshal. (GMedia Group/Zachary Gebis)
CAROL STREAM, Ill. — July 4, 2026: Participants march down the parade route during the annual Carol Stream Independence Day Parade in Carol Stream, Ill., Saturday, July 4, 2026. Despite a week-long regional heat wave, the community-funded tradition—a village staple since 1987—drew large crowds for the nearly two-hour event, which honored local military veterans as the collective Grand Marshal. (GMedia Group/Zachary Gebis)
CAROL STREAM, Ill. — July 4, 2026: Participants march down the parade route during the annual Carol Stream Independence Day Parade in Carol Stream, Ill., Saturday, July 4, 2026. Despite a week-long regional heat wave, the community-funded tradition—a village staple since 1987—drew large crowds for the nearly two-hour event, which honored local military veterans as the collective Grand Marshal. (GMedia Group/Zachary Gebis)
CAROL STREAM, Ill. — July 4, 2026: Participants march down the parade route during the annual Carol Stream Independence Day Parade in Carol Stream, Ill., Saturday, July 4, 2026. Despite a week-long regional heat wave, the community-funded tradition—a village staple since 1987—drew large crowds for the nearly two-hour event, which honored local military veterans as the collective Grand Marshal. (GMedia Group/Zachary Gebis)
CAROL STREAM, Ill. — July 4, 2026: Participants march down the parade route during the annual Carol Stream Independence Day Parade in Carol Stream, Ill., Saturday, July 4, 2026. Despite a week-long regional heat wave, the community-funded tradition—a village staple since 1987—drew large crowds for the nearly two-hour event, which honored local military veterans as the collective Grand Marshal. (GMedia Group/Zachary Gebis)
CAROL STREAM, Ill. — July 4, 2026: Participants march down the parade route during the annual Carol Stream Independence Day Parade in Carol Stream, Ill., Saturday, July 4, 2026. Despite a week-long regional heat wave, the community-funded tradition—a village staple since 1987—drew large crowds for the nearly two-hour event, which honored local military veterans as the collective Grand Marshal. (GMedia Group/Zachary Gebis)
CAROL STREAM, Ill. — July 4, 2026: Participants march down the parade route during the annual Carol Stream Independence Day Parade in Carol Stream, Ill., Saturday, July 4, 2026. Despite a week-long regional heat wave, the community-funded tradition—a village staple since 1987—drew large crowds for the nearly two-hour event, which honored local military veterans as the collective Grand Marshal. (GMedia Group/Zachary Gebis)
CAROL STREAM, Ill. — July 4, 2026: Participants march down the parade route during the annual Carol Stream Independence Day Parade in Carol Stream, Ill., Saturday, July 4, 2026. Despite a week-long regional heat wave, the community-funded tradition—a village staple since 1987—drew large crowds for the nearly two-hour event, which honored local military veterans as the collective Grand Marshal. (GMedia Group/Zachary Gebis)
CAROL STREAM, Ill. — July 4, 2026: Participants march down the parade route during the annual Carol Stream Independence Day Parade in Carol Stream, Ill., Saturday, July 4, 2026. Despite a week-long regional heat wave, the community-funded tradition—a village staple since 1987—drew large crowds for the nearly two-hour event, which honored local military veterans as the collective Grand Marshal. (GMedia Group/Zachary Gebis)

Feeling nostalgic relive 2025’s Parade at: Carol Stream Fourth of July Parade 2025: Photos, Highlights

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