Happy 4th of July, Des Plaines!

Sadly, there will be no 4th of July parade in Des Plaines this year as we all do our part to stop the spread of COVID-17 by practicing social distancing.

Fortunately, you can find some great pictures of past Independence Day parades here on Des Plaines Memory.

Above: The Maine West Pom-Pom dancers preceding the marching band in the 4th of July parade, 1991. Seen here on the 700-800 block of Lee Street in downtown Des Plaines

Above: Independence Day in Des Plaines, 1909. The parade was actually held on the 5th of July in that year. This view is probably near the intersection of Miner Street and Ellinwood Street.

Above: Maine Township elected officials rode in a Highway Department truck in the Des Plaines 4th of July parade in 1986. Seen here on the 800 block of Lee Street in downtown Des Plaines.

Above: The Bookworm was DPPL’s entry in the 4th of July parade in 1986, seen here on Thacker Street.

We invite you to help us document the impact of the coronavirus pandemic on your life by sharing your photographs and writings.

Please send us anything you are willing to share! Here’s how you can contribute:

Upload your digital photos directly to the collection via the Des Plaines Memory UPLOAD page.

Or send your written accounts in an email via the CONTACT US link on the Des Plaines Memory website. Or email Des Plaines Memory curator Steven Giese directly.

All individual contributions to Des Plaines Memory are preserved in the Des Plaines Public Library digital archive. You can see what other people have uploaded to the collection here.

Follow us on Facebook and subscribe the Des Plaines Memory e-newsletter for future updates.

If you’re looking for creative family activities, take a look at theDes Plaines History Center’s Fun at Home page.

You’ll find all kinds of cool projects, from ice cream recipes to cracking codes used by the patriots during the American Revolution.