Paradegoers enjoy sunny skies, mild weather for 70th annual parade

As the 70th Annual Plainfield Homecoming Parade marched through downtown Plainfield, Lisa Kulka of Plainfield excitedly called out, “There’s Haley! There she is!”

Cecilia Kulka, 6, and Gabe Kulka, 17, followed their mother’s gaze to see their sister Haley Harting marching with the French Club from Plainfield High School – Central Campus.

Lisa Kulka said the family moved to Plainfield during Haley’s sophomore year and this was Haley’s first time marching. Haley has participated in the French Club for two years and even went to Paris, her mother said.

“She enjoyed it a lot,” Lisa Kulka said.

The parade stepped off at 9 a.m. Saturday from the PHS Central Campus and followed a new route this year. The theme for this year’s parade was “Movie Adventures.”

Then-District 202 Superintendent of Schools Walter Niehus started the homecoming parade in 1952. It has grown over the years into a community event bringing the whole town together.

Plainfield’s homecoming parade typically features more than 100 entries including floats, students, staff, and family representing most of the district’s 30 schools and draws thousands to downtown.

In September, police, fire and school officials outlined security and traffic plans, parade staging, and a new parade route.

“Over the last several years, our country has witnessed numerous acts of violence at public events including parades,” the release said. “We take these events seriously and have been preparing to put on a safe and successful homecoming parade, which has been one of the largest in Illinois for many years. There will be a marked increase in police presence at this year’s parade.”

Sandy Martinez of Plainfield came out to support Ava Martinez, 15, who was marching.

Ava is part of the crew for “A Christmas Story,” which Plainfield High School – Central Campus will present in November.

“I have amazing kids,” Sandy Martinez said. “I just want to be part of their lives.”

Karra Beasley of Plainfield, a teacher at Liberty Elementary School, came out with her partner Jason Vogt and their son Liam Vogt, 15 months. They were waiting for Karra’s children Lilli Moeller and Wyatt Moeller, students at Plainfield South High School, to march past.

Beasley said they brought Liam to the parade last year, too, but he didn’t remember it. Vogt said it felt good to get out and participate in community events now that COVID-19 restrictions are over.

“It’s a nice day, too, just a little chilly,” Vogt said.

Chris and Aimee Bell came out to the parade to support daughter Kyleigh Dunavant, 12. Daughter Faith Bell stood with them. It was Faith’s first Plainfield Homecoming Parade, although she’s attended other parades, she said.

Faith said her favorite part about parades is the marching band.

“I like the music,” Faith said. “I like how loud it is.”

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Elizabeth Eichelberger Elementary School students Graziella Pesce, 7, watches Liam Cordic,7, run around before the start of the 70th Annual Plainfield Homecoming Parade. Saturday, Oct. 8, 2022, in Plainfield. (Gary Middendorf - gmiddendorf@shawmedia.com/Gary Middendorf)