The Park Forest Fire Department will be hosting the 39th Annual Silent Parade on Oct. 10 at 7 p.m. This parade has been a fixture of Park Forest's Fire Prevention Week for 38 years. The parade is a silent parade as a memorial to fallen firefighters that have died in the line of duty. Many residents stand along the route with candles and signs of appreciation for the firefighters. Leading the parade is a fire engine draped in funeral bunting symbolizing the fallen firefighter followed by numerous neighboring fire apparatus silently showing their respect. Again this year there will be a public viewing area located at Westwood Dr. and Orchard Ave. Bleachers will be provided and the fire department will be passing out fire hats and other goodies for the kids. Of course everyone is welcome at the Memorial Service at St. Irenaeus church at 6:30 prior to the parade. This also makes an excellent area to watch the parade as you could see the beginning and the end. The parade this year will take a slightly different route than in recent years so check the route below to make sure you don't miss it. Help make this parade the best and support your local firefighters by planning on watching today.
The parade will leave the Village Hall parking lot and turn left to travel east on Indianwood Boulevard and proceed to Forest Boulevard. Turn left onto Forest Boulevard and continue north on Forest. The parade will then veer onto Park Street (passing Garden House), turn left onto Westwood Drive and follow to Sauk Trail where the parade will veer to the left and then right on to Shabbona Drive. The parade will then follow Shabbona Drive to Indianwood Boulevard. Turn left onto Indianwood Boulevard and return to the Village Hall parking lot where the parade began.