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Joliet Mexican-Americans Celebrate Mexican Independence Day Community Shows Pride September 16th is officially Mexican Independence Day but Mexican-Americans in Joliet, Illinois celebrated it with their annual parade on Saturday September 8th. Under beautiful blue summer skies dotted with soft billowy white clouds the parade stepped off sharply shortly after its official starting time of 1 PM Collins Street was filled with paradewatchers who lined both sides of the streets in anticipation of the colorful floats and other entries that are typical of this annual event. Senator Pat McGuire (D-43) serving his first term in the Illinois Senate since he replaced former Senator A.J. Wilhelmi walked briskly outside of his contingent shaking hands with supporters and those who are coming to know him for the first time. The huge crowd supervised by Joliet’s finest was orderly and was on its best behavior as it stretched and craned to see the approaching entries as they came into view. Excited children squealed joyously as candy thrown from the floats landed at their feet; many of them jumped up and down as they anticipated candy and gifts that included soccer balls thrown from the Plaza Robles float. Plaza Robles is located on Collins Street near Jackson Street. The Troy Middle School marching band was well rehearsed and marched smartly along looking very professional. They had been observed weeks ahead of time practicing at the school on West Theodore Street.
Young Mexican-Americans showed their determination to succeed with floats from Joliet Junior College and St. Francis University. A separate contingent from Joliet Junior College known as Latinos Unidos, Los Lideres de Mañana had its own entry. Street vendors hurried up and down Collins Street selling Mexican Flags of all sizes, paletas, cotton candy and other treats to the crowd that teetered on the curbs watching and cheering. The parade was exciting and colorful as it always is; the excitement and enthusiasm of the noisy onlookers created an electric atmosphere as a backdrop for the mariachis,
horsemen, and other performers that entertained the happy crowd. Amid the marchers was Joseph Awinongya professional boxing trainer and owner of Will County Boxing located on Scott Street in Joliet. Joseph strode proudly at the front of his group and was accompanied by amateur and professional boxers from his boxing club. His group recently took part in an evening of boxing held at the sports bar of former Chicago Bear Steve “Mongo” McMichael in Romeoville. You can see more photos by going to our Of Interest page.