Happy Fourth!

The 4th of July parade in Evanston is massive. There are more than 150 floats and the whole town turns out to cheer for America. Locals secure their front row vantage point days before the parade; in fact, by city ordinance, you can set up your lawn chairs on the sidewalk beginning on July 1. My favorite float was the "North End Bunco, Parchesi, and Weight-Dropping Auxiliary."

Afterward, everyone goes to the lake to grill out and watch fireworks.