Political parade snags small

From the Sunday, July 27, 2008 edition of the Northwest Herald:

Political parade snags small
By DIANA SROKA - dsroka@nwherald.com

ALGONQUIN – Need a bag for candy?

That’s how some campaigners circumvented the “no campaigning” rule at Algonquin’s Founders’ Day parade Saturday.

Before the parade, campaigners for Democrat John Noverini handed blue-and-white “Noverini for Circuit Court Judge” bags to residents sitting along the parade route.

“I noticed there were family members passing things out,” parade organizer Alan Kirk said.

The Noverini campaign was questioned, Kirk said, but “we’re not here to be policemen.”

Meanwhile, other politicians placed tape over the words “elect” or “re-elect” on their vehicles and signs.

“We’re just going to follow by the rules,” said Paula Yensen, McHenry County Board candidate. Yensen walked with the McHenry County Democratic Party float.

Despite debate over the parade’s no-campaigning rule, Kirk said the parade went “extremely well.”

Safari hats and animal-print clothing were abundant as participants dressed to the parade’s theme, “Founders’ Goes on Safari.”

Lakewood resident Angie Markwalder came to the parade with her three sons and husband for the first time.

The firetrucks and Boy Scouts were the boys’ favorite part of the parade, she said.

“I liked the Indiana Jones,” said Robbie, Markwalder’s 9-year-old son, referring to some of the Boy Scouts’ costumes.

Founders’ Days continues today with a pancake breakfast, carnival, duck races and other activities throughout the day. The festival concludes tonight with fireworks.