Naperville Loves a Parade! Just take a stroll down Rubins Way off Main Street in the alley across from Heaven on Seven and Dean’s Fine Clothing to see portraitures of local residents in the crowd enjoying the Parade of the Century.
The colorful south side wall comes to life featuring families and friends watching images painted in black and white on the exterior wall on the north side. Â The Century Walk murals depict Naperville’s four annual parades held in downtown Naperville from St. Patrick’s Day in March, Memorial Day in May, Last Fling in September and Hometown Holidays in late November or early December.
Now half way through Naperville’s parade year, the Jaycees Last Fling Labor Day Parade is up next, stepping off onto its traditional route beginning at 10AM Mon., Sept. 2, with the theme “100 Years of Commerce.” Â Parade entries again will follow the route from Naperville North High School and head south on Mill Street to Jefferson, east to Main, south to Porter and west along Porter, ending near the parking lot behind Naper Settlement and Naperville Central High School.
Sign up now for Last Fling Labor Day Parade
Laurie De Kruiff and Paul De Kruiff, Jaycees Roosters, have been actively involved with the parade’s organization since 2004. As chairpersons for the last few years, Paul says the Jaycees have made sign ups much easier this year with online registration this year via www.lastfling.org.
“We still have a few spots available,” said Paul De Kruiff. “We’re hoping more businesses will be part of the line up to help celebrate the Naperville Area Chamber of Commerce during its 100th year of service to our community.  The parade is a great way to show community spirit and to get in front of tens of thousands of Naperville residents—maybe even as many as 100,000 cheering fans— who love a parade.”
The cost for a business entry is $275 by July 31 and $300 after August 1, depending on availability. Â Another popular category is political. Parade entrants will be notified by August 5 if they are accepted and where they will be placed in the line-up.
The Jaycees Labor Day Parade is a showcase of entries that highlight many of the upcoming activities at places like Safety Town, local gymnastics clubs, boosters clubs, color guards and Naperville Football Leagues. The Naperville Municipal Band and high school marching bands liven up the surroundings with popular music. All ages have a chance to spread community spirit and good cheer to enthusiastic revelers that line both sides of the parade route.
“As I said, we are not full yet, but I suspect we will be in the next week and a half,” Paul said, noting the fast-approaching deadline. “I’ve got to say the parade wouldn’t happen if it weren’t for Naperville Jaycees Senator Al DeGeeter who has been involved with the parade for decades! And more recently, dedicated partners such as Marty Walker, Joy Vastola and Scott Albrecht have pitched in to make it happen, too, from set up all the way to the end.”
Fling Mile 2013 and more
“The ‘Fling Mile 2013’ is held right before the parade on Labor Day, beginning at 9:30,” added Paul. “It follows most of the parade route along MIll Street. Runners of all skill levels and ages can participate. It’s another way to support the community and the Jaycees Last Fling.”
For all the special events, live concert schedules, entertainment and activities featured at the Jaycees’ four-day family-friendly festival, held along Jackson Avenue, at Naper Settlement and Rotary Hill, visit www.lastfling.org. The 2013 Last Fling runs Aug. 30 to Sept. 2.
Century Walk ‘Naperville Loves a Parade’
For more information about Century Walk, an outdoor art exhibit featuring murals, mosaics, mobiles, and sculptures, etc.,  or be part of the colorful crowd of parade spectators, visit www.centurywalk.org.
