The coronavirus pandemic is forcing local officials across the state to dramatically alter traditional summer holiday celebrations and commemorations.
That’s no different in Lake Forest.
The changes will start on Memorial Day when American Legion McKinlock Post 264 traditionally conducted a ceremony in downtown Lake Forest’s Market Square featuring a speech from an officer from nearby Naval Station Great Lakes.
The service would come after members of the local post planted flags throughout the city and at local cemeteries.
However, the COVID-19 outbreak is forcing organizers to postpone the 2020 ceremony, according to Ed Geraghty, the post commander.
“Unfortunately with the stay-at-home order and the limited gathering of people we are not going to be able to have that event. It is disappointing but we understand it is for everyone’s safety,” Geraghty said.
Geraghty said there would be a small number of flags planted by no more than five people at the city’s two train stations and in Market Square.
Also postponed is Lake Bluff’s Memorial Day observance. But in its absence, the village has announced plans for a virtual ceremony in Village Green to be aired on three separate Facebook pages.
Among those expected to speak are a recently retired Navy SEAL Master Chief, a member of the American Legion post, three Lake Forest High School students and Village President Kathy O’Hara.
“Though we can’t come together on the Village Green this year, we look forward to commemorating this special day with the virtual presentation and celebrate the spirit of community together from wherever we are,” O’Hara said in a statement.
Looking ahead to Independence Day, Lake Bluff’s July 4 parade, which has drawn an estimated 20,000 people in some years, has also been postponed.
“This cancellation is disappointing to all of us, but it is the socially responsible thing to do,” said Al Trefts, president of the Lake Bluff 4th of July Committee in a statement. “This difficult step is necessary to ensure the health and wellness of everyone involved with the parade and our community. We are already looking forward to next year, when packed parade routes, patriotic front-lawn parties, and our beloved parade can safely be enjoyed and celebrated again.”
One of the most anticipated parts of the parade, which has been a village fixture since 1911, is the performance of the Lake Bluff Lawn Mower Precision Drill Team. Their routine usually includes a pointed satire of a current local or national issue.
Jim Moss, a Lawn Mowers spokesman, left the door open for an informal show, possibly with a tie to the documentary now being aired about the Bulls championship era.
“It will be interesting to see what happens. I will be shocked if the streets of Lake Bluff are quiet during the normal parade time. I think we will congregate safely and do something that will add a smile to someone’s day,” Moss said. “Maybe in honor of Michael Jordan we will do the Last Mow.”
Normally, after the parade winds down, the Independence Day focus shifts to Lake Forest when the Friends of Lake Forest Parks and Recreation Foundation held an event featuring children’s activities, food and music leading up to fireworks to cap off the day.
What will occur this year is not known at this point as Sally Swarthout, the city’s parks and recreation director, said the foundation was not set to release any information regarding activities.
Daniel I. Dorfman is a freelance reporter.
