LANSING, Ill. (May 7, 2022) – After a week filled with gloomy weather, the sun smiled upon the 53rd Good Neighbor Day Parade on Saturday afternoon, which filled Ridge Road and Burnham Avenue with elaborate floats, lawn chairs, candy, and hundreds of good-neighborly smiles.
This year’s theme was “Salute to Sports.” The parade — which occurs on the first Saturday in May each year — is organized by the Lansing Area Chamber of Commerce. This year’s route was the same as last year’s, which started near Ridge and Wentworth, travelled west to Burnham, and south to TF South.
2022 Good Neighbor Day Parade — in photos
The photos below tell the story of the parade. All photos were taken by Josh Bootsma:
Hundreds eagerly await the first police car of the 2022 Good Neighbor Day Parade.The Keys family were ready with their bags to collect candy.The Lansing Veterans Memorial Ceremonial Honor Guard marches near the Lansing clocktower.Legion riders rumbled down Ridge Road in the Saturday afternoon sun.The Legion had a variety of vehicles.Boy Scout Troop 276 proudly made their way through Lansing during the Good Neighbor Day Parade.Cathy (left) and Marion Caruso enjoyed the Good Neighbor Day Parade in front of Nobile Shoes.Lansing’s fire engine made a conspicuous appearance.Young spectators wave to the oncoming Public Works machinery.Fans of all ages enjoyed Saturday’s Good Neighbor Day Parade.Lansing Mayor Patty Eidam greeted residents with a smile and a flyer for upcoming Fox Pointe events.Hundreds gathered along Ridge and Burnham to enjoy the 2022 Good Neighbor Day Parade.Get to the Pointe, says Village Trustee Leo Valencia.Village Trustee Brian Hardy repped his White Sox on Saturday, while Lansing Police Chief Al Phillips wore a Cubs jersey.The Edible Arrangements crew came out to enjoy the parade.Thornton Township’s float featured a live DJ.The Lansing Junior Woman’s Club waved to the crowd at the 2022 Good Neighbor Day Parade.State Rep. Marcus Evans handed candy to young spectators.For the first time in Good Neighbor Day Parade history, the TF South Red Wolves travelled through town.The TF South Flag Team twirled their way down Ridge Road on Saturday.The TF South band kept up the tempo during the Good Neighbor Day Parade.Sunnybrook School District 171 had representatives in the parade.This impressive float from Ridge Animal Clinic featured dogs — both live and fake.This Little Leaguer looked ready to take the field.Young ballplayers were right at home in the “Salute to Sports” theme.The bright sun and mild weather made Saturday perfect for a family outing to the Good Neighbor Day Parade.This candy-laden remote-controlled car deftly maneuvered to keep kids on their toes.In a gap between floats, a lone bear from State Farm kept the crowd entertained with dance moves and friendly waves.The Coolidge Cougars showed up in force.A photo op was interesting. Even more interesting? The candy being thrown behind the photographer.Memorial Jr. High had a band, a flag team, and many athletes at the 2022 Good Neighbor Day Parade.Memorial athletes enjoyed their time walking through Lansing.Lansing Christian School had an elaborate, sports-themed float.This parade scavenger shows off a ball she received.Audrey Balnius said, “Hey, I want to have my photo in The Lansing Journal!” — Voilà.Barb Dust proudly represented the Lansing Journal-sponsored group Common Ground during the parade.LARC received many cheers of support from spectators.The 2022 Good Neighbor Day Parade again brought the community together, as it’s been doing for 54 years.
Josh is Managing Editor at The Lansing Journal and believes in the power and purpose of community news. He covers any local topics—from village government to theatre, from business openings to migratory birds.
