The Morton Grove Days Parade has been a longstanding tradition, and it continued this year on the Fourth of July as thousands lined Dempster Street in the summer heat.

Put together by the Morton Grove Days Commission, an independent organization made up of volunteers, the event relies heavily on community members to work and on private donations to fund the festivities, officials say.

As people sat on curbs, waved American flags, chatted with family and friends, and prepared their hands to catch some treats, attendees shared what they were looking forward to most during the parade.

“His excitement- catching candy, and how simple it is for kids to celebrate,” said Lauren Niederkorn, a Morton Grove local, talking about her 5-year-old son, Roland.

Niederkorn, her husband Nathan, and their son Roland had already attended a Niles Fourth of July parade earlier in the day, where Roland collected an impressive amount of candy.

“Maybe 100 [pieces],” the 5-year-old said.

Looking ahead to the rest of their heat-filled day, Niederkorn shared their family’s itinerary.

“We’re going to go see some college friends and see some fireworks, then sleep; sleep a lot and find air conditioning,” she said.

Returning for the eighth year was Morton Grove local Lizette Villegas.

“It’s cute, honestly. Like, it’s small enough so it doesn’t get too crowded. The kids love it. They always throw a bunch of goodies, candies and trinkets for the kids. There’s always the Jesse White Tumblers which is a lot of fun to watch. So yeah, it’s a cute little event,” said Villegas.