PHOTOS: Community spirit was alive in Arlington Heights as the annual Fourth of July parade was reimagined. Families decorated their cars and literally became the parade, driving through a lot filled with music, balloons, bubbles, and even a stilt-walker. Arlington Heights Mayor Tom Hayes was in attendance.
Mission Community Team Shot: (from left): Baird & Warner agents Sue Kowols, Shaunna Burhop, and Diane Jamieson.
Coming together for our community.
BY SHAUNNA BURHOP / ORIGINALLY PUBLISHED IN THE SUMMER/FALL 2020 EDITION OF OPEN HOUSE MAGAZINE.
—
The Fourth of July was quickly approaching when I realized, along with my fellow Baird & Warner agents Diane Jamieson and Sue Kowols, how heartbreaking it was going to be for our friends and neighbors in Arlington Heights. Tight restrictions on social gatherings had canceled every outdoor festival, concert, and event this summer—including the annual parade. We decided to find new and safe ways to bring joy back to our city, and the Mission: Community team was formed!
Timing was short, but our first mission would be to save the parade. The idea of a “Parade in Reverse”—where families would stay in their cars and drive through the Baird & Warner parking lot, getting treats and giveaways from local businesses—sounded ambitious, but a great place to start. We could provide music, entertainment, and a way to honor local veterans as well.
We took to social media, invited our friends and clients, and hoped for the best. The day soon arrived and we began setting up, ensuring proper social distancing between participants. Shortly before the parade kicked off, we were thrilled to see a long line of cars waiting to enter. With two bands, bubble machines, huge balloon displays, a stilt walker, and even Uncle Sam, the parking lot was energized with the spirit of the celebration. Families drove their cars, decorated with flags, posters, and streamers, through the parking lot parade route as veterans, Arlington Heights Mayor Tom Hayes, and local hospital worker heroes cheered from the side. We were touched by the pure joy and appreciation the community expressed. I teared up when one resident told me how grateful he was—it was truly one of my proudest moments.
PHOTOGRAPHY BY: SOMETHING BLUE PHOTOGRAPHY
“We were so grateful for this event—we’ve been coming to the parade for twenty-seven years and couldn’t imagine the Fourth of July without it.”
MISSION: Community is an initiative within Baird & Warner’s Northwest Suburban office to demonstrate our commitment to our local communities. The objective is to provide an ongoing program of goodwill and support to both residents and local organizations.
During lockdowns in 2020, the way we interacted with each other changed significantly; but our commitment to our communities had never been stronger. Using creativity and teamwork we focused on building an atmosphere of serving others with joy and gratitude.
We all take pride in being part of something bigger and realize we can have a much larger impact when we work together throughout our network of community connections.
Contact us for more information, or to be included on future announcements of events and support programs.