While traditional thoughts turn to school bus schedules, school lunches, backpacks and after-school activities for many residents, we welcome Naperville’s four-day family festival, the Jaycees Last Fling, also celebrated with a Labor Day Parade. The parade steps off at Naperville North High School along Mill Street at 10AM Mon., Sept. 1, winding through downtown Naperville and ending at Naperville Central.
For 2014, Mayor George Pradel will serve as the parade Grand Marshall. And while marching bands, businesses, labor unions, politicians, homeowners’ groups, individuals, sports clubs, school organizations, etc., pay tribute to American workers, Pradel also has asked to honor the military heroes who serve to protect the cherished freedoms of this great nation. Cheers!
Ever hear of ‘slow news’?
This month PN is celebrating its 13th birthday. As we begin our 14th Volume, we’re mindful that about four years ago we began to think we’ve been chronicling a brand of “slow news” by highlighting local celebrations, amenities and special events that have taken time to develop. Slow news is a sharp contrast to the fast pace of breaking news and bite-sized news consumption that often can distract us from our quality of life.
At a time when everything is expected to be reported in real-time, we like to think even our brief format in print provides links to bits and pieces of local stories residents might have missed via media alerts, constant contacts and Twitter trivia. Along with PN’s website that now is smart-device accessible, our aim always has been to provide a media experience with local historic value. From the beginning, we’ve strived to improve the economics of this city with reminders to shop, dine and entertain locally whenever possible.
Perhaps all the data, choices, possibilities and too little time have pushed us to focus on what we truly value. More and more, creative individuals and innovative companies are recognizing that many of us actually have a life beyond electronics, every new political poll or the hyperbolic “breaking news.” And that’s a good thing.
Our 157th issue of slow news is a showcase of upcoming fundraisers, live performances, art exhibits, grand openings, new construction and local traditions that enhance our city’s culture.
Thanks for reading and participating in this remarkable place nearly 150,000 residents call home.
As Crime Stoppers promotes, “Keeping our community safe is everyone’s responsibility.”
Naperville loves its Jaycees Labor Day Parade! Celebrate safely.
