Celebrating 250 years of freedom

Cloggers from Cornerstone Dance Studio perform on a moving trailer in the parade. Facing left, from left to right: Sadie Parsons, Anna Leichliter, Olivia Blanchette, Kaylee Banchette, Acadia Agnew, Maggie Agnew, Izzy Chaney. Facing right, from left: Keziah Mossman, Ayla Kargel, Gracie Kargel, Willow White, and Emily Blanchette. Obscured from view: Lori Leichliter.

A drone’s eye view of downtown during the parade courtesy of Tucker Gray, featuring Old Glory on a Willow Springs Fire Department truck.

Freedom Patch Fireworks (Friga Tire) puts on an impressive patriotic display in Saturday’s parade.

This year’s parade Grand Marshal is American Legion Post 384, based in Willow Springs. From left to right: Larry Nolle, George Myers, Glenn Davis, Ralph Miller, Ron Veal, Russ Jackson, and Terry Jackson. Partially obscured is Tom Siegrist.

Brittney Brooks as the Statute of Liberty smile from the Shelter Insurance – Robert Hollis float.

Dancers from Cornerstone Dance Studio strike a pose as they perform, “Coming to America” to a packed house at the Star Theatre on July 4.

Roxanne Rupar is all smiles on the United Federated Republican Women float.

Tammy King waits for the parade to start.

John Bailey emcees the annual parade.

Classic and decked-out vehicles roll down Main Street in Saturday’s Fourth of July parade in Willow Springs.

Jenna, Rachel, and Jeremy Minton, left to right, ready to celebrate the 250th anniversary of America.

Mila Davis is dressed for the holiday at Willow Springs’ annual Fourth of July parade.

Russ Schierling patters a patriotic beat all along the parade route.

Sue and Joe Fiorino walk the parade as the Statue of Liberty and Uncle Sam.

Randi Hobbs leads the mounted entries in the parade.

The color guard from Willow Springs High School leads the marching band. Pictured from left are Neveah Thornton, Aowynn Crowl, and Jody Wilson. Obscured from view is Raelynn Campbell-Holmes.

Willow Springs’ annual Fourth of July parade was its biggest-ever, announced the Willow Springs Chamber of Commerce. Smashing an ambitious goal of 250 parade entries on America’s 250th birthday, the 2026 parade on Saturday featured 266 entries. The previous record was 132 entries.

After the parade, a patriotic program at the Star Theatre followed featuring recognition of active duty and veteran military personnel and performance from Cornerstone Dance Studio.

Festivities continued at Booster Field with a community picnic featuring music from Stringed Union and water wars courtesy of Eleven Point Fire Department.

Celebrating 250 years of freedom

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