Beautiful weather a backdrop for Fourth of July activities

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By Deirdre Cox Baker | Friday, July 04, 2008 |

Q-C Morning Optimists carry flags in the Bettendorf Fourth of July parade on Friday. (Photos by Elisa Petersen/Quad-City Times) Buy this Photo

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Dianne Orendorff and Dick Johnson arrived about an hour early to snag choice seats for the popular Bettendorf Fourth of July Parade.

Orendorff, of Coal Valley, Ill., and Johnson, of Rock Island, have made a weekend of patriotic activities to mark the holiday. “This parade’s one of the better ones,” Orendorff said, “and I just enjoy the people, and it and the outdoors — it’s just beautiful out!”

Thousands of spectators lined both State and Grant streets to view the event, the first of several day-long July 4 activities in Bettendorf.

The spectators included Patti Pierce, of Chicago, who came home to Bettendorf to visit her mom, Irene Cepican. The Cepicans, their friends and relatives had a fine viewing spot in the parking lot at Bettendorf Muffler. The longtime Bettendorf residents have watched the parade “for many years,” Irene Cepican said.

Corrie Houston, who recently moved to Bettendorf, found a less busy place to sit with her three sons, Eric, Sam and Braden. Houston and her friend, Michelle Hansen, were a little surprised at the crowds. “There are so many people here,” Houston said.

Many of the parade entries earned a round of applause from the audience. These included Marine Moms of the Quad-Cities, who carried photos of their loved ones, the Bettendorf High School Goldusters dance squad and the Pleasant Valley High School marching band.

Bettendorf Mayor Mike Freemire was warmly greeted, especially by children who waited patiently for candy. Freemire and members of the Bettendorf City Council enthusiastically flung fistfuls of sweets to the youngsters.

Eliciting “oooohs” and “aaaahs” was a parade entry from the Vietnamese Community of the Quad-Cities. Youth costumed in dragon masks performed dances while snaking down the street, and dozens of others walked and waved, dressed in traditional Vietnamese attire.

The Vietnamese float was highlighted by a large sign which read: “Thank you, American Vietnam Veterans. God Bless America.”

East Moline parade celebrates 50 years

Youngsters scampered to the curb as a police siren blared, marking the beginning of the Fourth of July AMVETS Parade along East Moline’s 15th Avenue.

The parade celebrated its 50th anniversary Friday and people clustered in front of residences and businesses to watch the fun. Horseback riders in traditional Mexican costume, patriotic displays and walkers highlighted East Moline’s proud industrial traditions and culture.

Bicycle riders from the East Moline BMX Speedway grabbed air on a quarter pipe float for the enjoyment of spectators and young dancers from the Quad-Cities Ballet Folklorico processed graceful in full-skirted costumes.

“This represents America. The youngsters out there I think more than anything represent the future of the country,” Major General Robert Radin, the parade’s grand marshal, said.

The commander of the U.S. Army Sustainment Command, Rock Island Arsenal, rode the parade route in a classic 1958 Ford retractable hard top convertible. Throwing candy calls for a different set of skills from those utilized in the Army, he admitted. The arm swing has to be just right to make sure kids get their sweets, especially for those in back.

He appreciated seeing how many children turned out for the parade. “What’s really fun for the youngsters is to see their faces when they catch a Tootsie roll. Yes, they say,” he said.

For some, the Fourth of July is more than just the red, white and blue bunting. Donna Engeman, the widow of Chief Warrant Officer John Engeman, understands the meaning of sacrifice after her husband died in Iraq in 2006 when an improvised explosive device detonated near his Humvee during combat operations.

Radin said he is exploring ways to help support the surviving families following their loved ones’ deaths. For now he prays for surviving family members at Quarters Six, his home on Arsenal Island.

East Moline Mayor John Thodos presented Radin with a multi-functional key to the city.

“This is the crown jewel, having Major General Radin here to lead the parade,” Thodos, father of a U.S. Marine, said.

Deirdre Cox Baker can be contacted at (563) 383-2492 or dbaker@qctimes.com.