Above / Labor Day weekend in Naperville is celebrated during the Jaycees’ family-focused four-day festival, with high flying flags over the city that loves its traditions of parades. The 2016 Labor Day Parade steps off at 10AM on Mon., Sept. 5.
The Naperville Jaycees has named the Naperville Park District as the Grand Marshal of the 2016 Gerald Kia Labor Day Parade presented by the City of Naperville and the Naperville Jaycees.
The Park District celebrates its 50th anniversary in 2016. This milestone will be marked with a June celebration at The Barn before its teardown (to be replaced by a Central Maintenance Facility) and an event commemorating the anniversary in conjunction with the grand opening of the Fort Hill Activity Center.
Above / Built in 1965, The Barn Recreation Center was supported, in part, with funds raised from non-interest bearing “bonds” sold to garner support by the Naperville Community Youth Organization. When news of the demolition of The Barn began to surface, so did many of the bonds.
“Not only will this be an opportunity for residents to experience and enjoy this exciting, brand new facility,” noted Naperville Park District Executive Director Ray McGury in the news release, “but they also will be able to have some fun celebrating a very special 50-year milestone with the Park District.”
The parade, now in its 51st year, originated thanks to the inspiration of Rick Motta, Owner of Rick Motta Barber Shop in Naperville.
What began as a parade and day of merriment at Centennial Beach in 1966 has grown to a day-to-night, 4-day full-scale festival which aids the Naperville Jaycees in its philanthropic mission.
“The Naperville Jaycees is a great example of a key community partner,” said McGury. “The Park District enjoys working with this fine and committed group of individuals who strive for excellence in everything they do to benefit the community. Undoubtedly, Last Fling is one of those great longstanding events at which fond memories have been made for many decades.”
“The Naperville Jaycees is delighted to honor the Naperville Park District for its service to our community,” added Chad Pedigo, President of the Naperville Jaycees. “The Park District staff has partnered with the Jaycees for many years to facilitate a safe and enjoyable Last Fling experience for festival-goers, and we are grateful for this opportunity to say thank you from the community and all Naperville Jaycees at this year’s Parade.”
Last Fling Parade celebrates community, welcomes sponsors
The 2016 Gerald Kia Labor Day Parade presented by the City of Naperville and the Naperville Jaycees will begin promptly at 10AM on Monday, September 5, and will start at Naperville North High School, then proceed south on Mill Street, east onto Jefferson Avenue, south on Main Street, west on Porter until its conclusion at Naperville Central High School. Sponsor registration for the parade is now open.
Last Fling Parade registration, information and details are posted at lastfling.org.
