Crowd To Vote For Awards At New Lenox Loyalty Day Parade

NEW LENOX, IL — Spectators will again have a chance to select the float that best depicts the sentiment behind a beloved New Lenox parade.

The Village of New Lenox on Sunday, May 5 will hold the 44th annual William A. Athans and 18th District VFW Posts’ Loyalty Day Parade, with a 2 p.m. kick-off.

Officials will present the "William A. Athans Award" to one parade entry.

"The William A. Athans Award will belong to the entry that best embodies the sentiment of the Loyalty Day Parade and of New Lenox’s history as the Home of Proud Americans," officials said in a release. "This award is being given in honor and recognition of William’s dedication to this event."

The William A. Athans Award will be given alongside the Spectator’s Choice Award and the Spirit Award, all of which will be voted on by parade attendees. Winners of each award will receive a $100 prize.

The William A. Athans and 18th District VFW Posts’ Loyalty Day Parade was established in 1978 in honor of Loyalty Day, a holiday taking place annually on May 1 to demonstrate loyalty to the United States and to recognize the heritage of our American freedom.

"As the Home of Proud Americans, New Lenox is honored to be able to celebrate our country, our flag, and all those who have served or currently serve in our Armed Forces with this annual event," officials said in a release.

Three generations of the Athans family, along with New Lenox VFW Post 9545, kept the parade in operation until 2020, when it was put on hiatus due to the COVID-19 pandemic. In 2022, the Village of New Lenox took over the parade operations and brought the event back to life for the residents and businesses who enjoy the festive annual tradition.