Carts on parade

SUN CITY- Anyone driving on Del Webb Boulevard the morning of Sunday, July 1 would see two rows of various decorated and eye-catching golf carts lined up single file in front of the Prairie Lodge.

The carts’ glittering decorations fluttered in the wind as the motors of the small vehicles came to life once the parade kicked off at 12:30 p.m.

The joyful attitude and admiring cheers did not decrease even when lightning and dark clouds approaching Sun City were seen in the distance. The threatening weather did not ruin the anticipation of Sun City and Huntley residents sitting on lawn chairs or situated comfortably along the street.

“This is a great way to celebrate the Fourth of July,” said Sun City resident Rita Stohs, who has been attending the annual parade for the last five years. “We’re having a great time.”

The golf carts and classic cars parade was organized by chairmen Bill and Darlene Haseman. Alongside them was special events coordinator Jane Tennant, who was in charge of organizing the whole event including a concert by the Sun City Concert Band, and food concessions.

The 12th Annual Patriotic Outdoor Concert, Golf Cart, and Vintage Car Parade took about six months to plan.

Tennant worked alongside the Huntley Police Department, the Huntley Fire Protection District, and Huntley Village officials to help make the event possible. The event was also sponsored by Wells Fargo Bank.

The addition of vintage cars to the parade and availability of food were new this year.

“It has always been golf carts,” said Tennant. “We wanted to put more life in the parade–that’s why we added the cars in.”

A total of 36 individual carts participated in the parade, 10 club carts, 2 neighborhood carts, and 19 vintage cars.

“People worked very hard and were very creative,” said Darlene Haseman. “They did a good job of making the parade what it is.”

From several carts being decorated red, white, and blue in patriotic honor of July 4, to a “Red Neck Road Trip” cart and even a “Love Bug” ’70s styled cart, the array of themes and creativity was extensive.

For Dina and Luie Torado, sweet significance was found behind their Hawaiian-themed decorated golf cart. The Torados chose the Hawaiian theme due to their grandson’s, Tyler Torado, project at school.

The Torados have participated in the golf cart parade for the last three years, each year consisting of a different theme, including picnic, fishing, and hot air balloon themes.

“We do it for fun,” said Dina Torado. “But it would be nice to win something so the kids could get excited.”

Other carts had a more serious significance behind their decoration. Neighbors Rose Hamann and Mary Farley decorated their cart in a patriotic theme in honor of Farley’s grandson who fought in the army.

“I am glad to be here and participating,” said Farley. “Decorating was fun; it’s a fun thing to do overall.”

Both Bill and Darlene Haseman, having completed their first year organizing the parade, were happy with the turnout.

“Although we did all the leg and paperwork, without the participants and people, we couldn’t have put the parade together,” said Haseman. “We thank them all for that.”

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