Photo Gallery: Families Make July 4th Family Days

highlighted by the noontime parade Wednesday lived up to its name for many of the participants.

Whether it was the 22^nd straight McLauglin family barbeque on the parade route along Deerfield Road or the Block family enjoying its 35^th pancake breakfast, this time with a third generation.

“We’ve never missed one,” Dede Block said. She and her husband Brad, who now live in Riverwoods, have been enjoying the event since they moved to Deerfield in 1977.

“We took our daughter Alyssa (Rissman) when she was one and now she’s here with her son,” Brad Block said of his grandson Eli Rissman as the family enjoyed the morning.

Kevin and Andy McLaughlin moved to Deerfield in 1990 selecting a home on the corner of Deerfield and Warrington Roads. They had a barbeque for some friends that first year and it has grown ever since.

“It’s fun, friendly and open, Kevin McLaughlin said. “Once you come you’re always welcome back. No invitations are needed.” More than 30 people were around the grills and coolers as they got ready to watch the parade go by.

Just west of the McLaughlin’s was an even bigger party taking place on the lawn of the Christ United Methodist Church. “It’s our second annual event,” church member Bill Lundquist said. He indicated it will truly be an annual event with free hot dogs for anyone in the community.

. The pictures of the parade, pancake breakfast, bike parade, rides, dog show, games and other events tell the story of Family Days.

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