Donna McAnally Chosen As 2024 Independence Day Parade Grand Marshal

Donna McAnally, President of the Blue Star Banner Program, has been chosen as the Grand Marshal for the 2024 Crystal Lake Independence Day Parade. McAnally, originally from Mississippi, moved to Crystal Lake in 1994 with her husband, Danny and sons Brock and Franklin.

"I'm honored to be chosen as the Grand Marshal," McAnally said. "The Crystal Lake parade is an event we look forward to each year, and being chosen this year when we're honoring Vietnam War veterans makes this parade even more special."

McAnally has been an active community member since moving to Crystal Lake. She served as the President of the Parent Teachers Association for many years at Indian Prairie Elementary School. "Donna was a tireless worker who always put the needs of the students first," said Jim Kelley, former Principal of Indian Prairie Elementary School. "Students, staff, and parents greatly appreciated her dedication, enthusiasm, and positive attitude. She made a difference in the lives of the children."

McAnally took that dedication and her deeply personal connection to the military, including her sons Brock, a Navy veteran, and Franklin, currently serving in the Army, to create what would become the Blue Star Banner Program.

McAnally approached the city about the program with the idea that when a city is not a military community, most residents and city officials aren't aware of the lives our service members lead, nor are they aware of what families with active-duty military go through while their loved ones are serving.

The Blue Star Banner Program, now a registered 501(c)3, has significantly impacted the community, honoring 144 service members from all branches of our armed forces. Beyond celebrating our local heroes, the program has successfully bridged the gap between the military and non-military communities, fostering a deeper understanding of the sacrifices made by our service members. The 6-foot-tall Blue Star Banners honor Crystal Lake military members who proudly serve our country along the Rt. 14 corridor known as "Heroes Row."

The Chamber of Commerce will also recognize Jim Athans, retired from Chemtool and Spartan Products Inc, at the Grand Marshal brunch for his 40-plus years of involvement with the Independence Day Parade, driving the Grand Marshal in his Model T Ford. Athans has also been heavily involved in the Crystal Lake community, helping those in need while owning and operating several businesses in the area.

The 2024 Independence Day Parade, a much-anticipated event in our community, will take place on Sunday July 7th from 1-3 p.m. This year, due to road construction on Dole Avenue, the parade will follow a different route. It will start at City Hall, as in previous years, but will conclude at St. Thomas Oak Street Church. For the full parade route and other details, please visit clchamber.com/independence-day-parade.