ROCHELLE – A little rain didn’t put a damper on the Independence Day festivities happening around the “Hub City.”
Hundreds came to watch the traditional Fourth of July parade Tuesday morning, kicking off near City Hall. Floats, military vehicles, fire engines, and a visit from Uncle Sam wowed the crowds lined up on the parade route.
Jason Zies, David Schwitters, and the Rochelle Moose Lodge crew served up hot dogs, brats and sausage in the afternoon, followed by food vendors at Cooper Park serving BBQ and Mexican-style fares.
A brief downpour in the early evening and a widespread power outage for about an hour didn’t stand in the way of the Municipal Band’s performance in the band shell at Atwood Park and the fireworks show.
“The fireworks were a success despite the rain,” said Jenny Thompson, marketing director for the city. “Thanks to a contribution from the Flagg-Rochelle Community Park District, the fireworks show was better than ever this year!”