Thanks for the memories: Hawks Pointe July 4th parade lasts 20 years
The parade, hosted since 2001 by Sharon and Robert Atkins, always ended up at their house.
For 20 years, neighbors and friends in Hawks Pointe subdivision, west of Roscoe, have looked forward to the annual July 4th parade hosted by Sharon and Robert Atkins.
The annual holiday celebration has not been just a traditional parade by today’s standards. There were no high school bands playing patriotic tunes, no fancy floats, no waving politicians or candy throwing.
Every year since 2001, the 4th of July event has been celebrated the old-fashioned way. Families dressed in red, white and blue, kids and sometimes their pets marching or riding their decorated bikes down Brandy Bend Road.
The parade route is short, only a few blocks down the street and around the block. Everyone ends up at the Atkins home where the celebration continues with games, music, ice cream, and prizes.
However, as the saying goes; “All good things must come to an end.” Sharon and Robert decided it was time to turn in their sparklers. “It became a lot of work and a hassle getting permits each year.”
They said good-by with many happy memories. "In the early days, our neighborhood was tight," Sharon said. "The idea of a neighborhood celebration took root because we all knew each other and missed the old-fashioned home-spun 4th of July of the past."
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Little has changed since 2001. Sharon said they have always tried to honor and showcase military veterans. The VFW Color Guard traditionally led the parade, followed by a few fire trucks, police department personnel and village trustees, and sometimes Pickles the Clown was there, blowing up balloon animals for the kids.
The couple would like to see someone in the neighborhood pick up the mantle and continue the 4th of July tradition at Hawks Pointe.
Sharon and Robert Atkins erected a sign in front of their home letting everyone know there would be no 4th of July parade this year. The Atkins’ have hosted a traditional, neighborhood 4th of July celebration in front of their home in Hawks Point subdivision. After 20 years, the couple elected to break the tradition.
Sharon and Robert Atkins have worked hard to bring an old-fashioned, traditional 4th of July parade and party to their Hawks Point neighborhood. After 20 years, they are retiring the celebration.
