Alternative story telling: Spectator parade participation

Sunday October 01 2006

Lisle parade scores high Kids, candy and floats make 50th anniversary event largest in village history

James Fuller Daily Herald Staff Writer

It's a common belief that everyone loves a parade, but perhaps no one more so than a child.

With that in mind, Nikki and Sammi Mass, ages 11 and 8, joined Kelsy Nilles, 11, Michelle Krausfeldt, 10, and Emily Schillerstrom, 11, Saturday afternoon on Lisle's Main Street for the community's 50th anniversary parade.

A 10-minute downpour didn't deter them from a prime curb spot at Main Street and Burlington Avenue. It would ensure a front-row spot for any candy thrown and a solid place in the historic group photo the community will publish to celebrate its 50-year history.

First, the parade: It was billed as the largest and longest in Lisle's history. That's a big billing to live up to. The girls decided they'd judge the parade by its entries, one at a time on a scale of 1 to 10, 10 being the coolest.

- The Lisle-Woodridge Fire Department comes first, featuring fire trucks, sirens blaring.

"They were a little loud," Emily said. "And they didn't have any candy." Score: 2.

- Next is Bea Malloy, honorary grand marshal, followed by the Midwest Grotto Association in convertible Chrysler Crossfires.
"I like the cars," Nikki said. "I don't like how they're not doing anything in the cars." Score: 3.

- Now the clowns are sent in, a mix of happy and hobo clowns. The girls decide they're good for a few laughs. Score: 4.

- Next are mini race cars doing circles, followed by mini-motorcycles, followed by mini-Corvette-style cars: Score (averaged): 8.

"They're pretty cool, but the first little cars are the best," Michelle said. "After awhile, it gets kind of boring. They copied each other."
At this point, the girls got a bit agitated. It was several minutes into the parade and the big bags they held were empty. Their parade goals started to become clear.

"This better be candy," they all agreed, eyeing the next group of entries.
Not quite.

- Mayor Joe Broda's and the trustees' float came next. No candy, but they did throw pins. A minor victory is won for empty bag holders.

"I got one thing," Sammi shrugged. Score: undecided.

- Lisle High School marching band is next. Good music, good outfits. Score: 8.

- Then the girls see it: The B. Gunther & Co. float is approaching, raining down candy. Not only that, the floats following them are throwing candy as well.

"This is going to be a 10," Nikki decides.

"Wait, it depends on what kind of candy it is," Sammi chimes in.
Soon Tootsie Rolls and suckers are bouncing off their heads as they try to get some to land in their bags. They finally have their candy. Score: 9.

- Next comes the Lisle Lionettes Dance Team. They do a routine in which Kelsy seems intensely interested in. She ranks them on her own. Score: 5.

"I'm going to be one of those people," she explains.

Then come various groups of Cub Scouts. They have what appears to be larger bags of candy as they approach.

"Yeah, more candy," the girls shout in unison. The candy flies and the girls sprawl out, hands and knees, gathering it fistfuls at a time. Score: 10.

"They gave out good candy," Emily reasons.

Now the parade winds down. Soon the girls look perplexed. It's a political entry, a county board candidate, apparently the only one in the parade.

"Boooo," said the girls softly, but in unison. Score: 2 (even with candy).

"I'm not even voting," Nikki explains.

With that, it becomes clear the candy collecting is over. The largest and longest parade in Lisle's history lasts about 40 minutes. What's the final, overall score?

"It was OK," Nikki said. "Want a piece of candy?"