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* The State Fair is about traditions, so breaking this one will cause a bit of a stink…
A decision to move the annual Illinois State Fair Twilight Parade Aug. 10 is being criticized by defenders of a decades-long tradition.
The parade for years has headed north up Ninth Street/Peoria Road. This year, it will start in Lincoln Park and then go north through the park to Sangamon Avenue, bypassing Ninth Street/Peoria Road altogether.
“Personally, I’m not in favor of it,” Mayor Jim Langfelder said Thursday. “It comes down to the tradition of the parade route. I’m not sure if they realize the thousands of people who come out and enjoy the parade.”
Rebecca Clark, communications manager for the Illinois Department of Agriculture, said there are advantages to moving the parade. She said the starting point in Lincoln Park provides handicapped-accessible bathrooms, more shade from the mid-summer heat, and water fountains for parade participants and spectators. […]
Clark said there will also be cost-savings because fewer streets will need to be blocked off. The fair is charged by the city for the blocked-off streets, she said, a cost that is expected to drop from about $10,000 to less than $5,000.
Saving money is good. And, who knows, maybe it’ll be a better parade. Wait and see.
posted by Rich Miller
Friday, Jul 14, 17 @ 9:54 am
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At long last, Springfield is shook.
– MrJM
Comment by @MisterJayEm Friday, Jul 14, 17 @ 10:04 am
The neighborhoods along the original route have become blighted. No blight in Lincoln Park or along Sangamon Ave. Coincidence?
Comment by Stumpy's bunker Friday, Jul 14, 17 @ 10:05 am
Classic example of fixing a problem that didn’t exist. Instead of dealing with one local government (City of Springfield), now they have to work with two (Springfield Park District & City of Springfield). Will the State be on the hook for clean up of Lincoln Park after the parade or will the Park District just pick up that cost? How will people be able to watch along the northern side of Sangamon Ave without crossing over Sangamon Ave… which will be hard to do if a parade is going on. This will shorten the route quite a bit, which I guess will be good for the Governor… less verbal abuse to absorb.
Comment by Concerned Dem Friday, Jul 14, 17 @ 10:09 am
This never would have happened if COO Aloha was still in charge of parade logistics.
Comment by wordslinger Friday, Jul 14, 17 @ 10:12 am
A bit tantamount to a Halloween Costume parade - couple of blocks and we’re done.
Why do I get the feeling the current administration is trying to hide this event? There is virtually no parking along this route, so y’all stay home.
Comment by Commonsense in Illinois Friday, Jul 14, 17 @ 10:15 am
I feel bad for some of the bars/restaurants along the route that had huge crowds at their establishments. For the ones that shut down for fair week, obviously no big deal. Not handled well at all.
Comment by Tough Guy Friday, Jul 14, 17 @ 10:38 am
Maybe they should route the parade through Lake County, just so the Gov. can tour the flood damage.
Comment by Nick Name Friday, Jul 14, 17 @ 10:42 am
==The neighborhoods along the original route have become blighted.==
I mean, the residents who live there and often throw massive parties might be surprised to hear that. And they’ll probably be disappointed that they can’t watch the parade from their front lawns anymore.
Comment by Arsenal Friday, Jul 14, 17 @ 11:01 am
Any word on the Grand Marshall? I heard it might be Mark Janus?
Comment by Union Bustin' Friday, Jul 14, 17 @ 11:18 am
This will ruin northend Christmas
Comment by Rogue Roni Friday, Jul 14, 17 @ 11:23 am
It may turn out well, or not. They should have run it up the flagpole before making the decision. The parade is a big deal to Springfield northenders.
Comment by Keyser Soze Friday, Jul 14, 17 @ 11:24 am
To me it’s pretty simple strategy. Last year for the 1st time Parade night at the fair had an entry fee & a lot of folks chose to watch the parade from outside the gates. The State Fair is going to counter by shortening the route, forcing more people to pay their ridiculous gate fees.
Comment by Get a Job!! Friday, Jul 14, 17 @ 12:18 pm
“Because, tradition” has never been a particularly persuasive argument to me.
Comment by SAP Friday, Jul 14, 17 @ 12:30 pm
One of the few great traditions the north end of Springfield really looked forward to each year. Now Gov. Grinch (a/k/a Mr. Burns) is putting the kabosh on it supposedly to save a measly $5,000 while he blows thru billions! Plus, the new Alderman, whose ward the old parade route went thru, can’t represent his constituents and speak out against this cause he works for the Gov. & his wife is on one of the Gov’s commissions…what a mess!
Comment by Traditionlist Friday, Jul 14, 17 @ 12:31 pm
He’s still going to hear some boos along the new route. I hope that’s not their motivation for changing the parade, because short of moving it to Des Moines, he’s going to be booed by some.
Comment by 47th Ward Friday, Jul 14, 17 @ 12:36 pm
Curious if it’s politics as usual. Rep. Tim Butler assists with the Lincoln Park Neighborhood Association. Did his recent “no” votes get him “yes” we can change the parade route for you?
Comment by Northender Friday, Jul 14, 17 @ 1:11 pm
It doesn’t help when the same day’s SJR reminds us about the blight on Peoria Road along the old parade route, and that redevelopment might cost $21 million:
http://www.sj-r.com/news/20170713/peoria-road-redevelopment-cost-estimated-at-21m
Comment by Leatherneck Friday, Jul 14, 17 @ 2:48 pm
so how much tax rev does the city get from the fair etc……they should pick up the clean cost.
Comment by scott aster Friday, Jul 14, 17 @ 2:56 pm
Agree with scott aster…if Rauner is changing the route to save $5,000, the city should cut the bill by $5,000 if State switches back to old route. Peoria Rd. may be “blighted” in the TIF sense, but it doesn’t look like a war zone…still good enuf for parade route.
Comment by Traditionalist Friday, Jul 14, 17 @ 3:18 pm