Welcome To The 2025
Skokie 4th Of July Parade
PARADE START TIME:
12:00 Noon
JULY 4TH, 2025
Registration for the 2025 Parade is now open.
Parade Mailing Address:
Skokie 4th of July Parade, PO Box 702, Skokie IL 60077
Parade Phone: 224-592-0066
Registration for the 2025 Skokie 4th of July Parade is now Open!
Business & Political Groups - In order to participate in the parade, there is a $135 registration fee, which includes one vehicle. Each additional vehicle requires a fee of $65. You will be emailed an invoice once you complete your registration, or you can click on the Donate button below and pay your registration fee by credit card. Want to be a Skokie 4th of July Parade sponsor? Click on this link for sponsorship options. Sponsorships.
Community, Religious and Youth Groups - There is no registration fee for Community Groups, Religious Organizations, or Youth Groups
If you want to donate to the Parade, just click on the donate button below and you can donate via credit card.
The Skokie 4th of July Parade follows strict rules of U.S. flag etiquette, as set forth by the Veterans of Foreign Wars. Please Click here for US Flag Etiquette Rules.
Skokie's Fireworks Festival
At 6:30 p.m. the fun moves to Niles West High School (Oakton Street just west of the Edens Expressway) featuring live music, family activities, and a spectacular fireworks show after dusk for 10,000+ patrons! (The fireworks rain date is July 5.) For more event information call (847) 674-1500.
Business & Political Groups - In order to participate in the parade, there is a $135 registration fee, which includes one vehicle. Each additional vehicle requires a fee of $65. You will be emailed an invoice once you complete your registration, or you can click on the Donate button below and pay your registration fee by credit card. Want to be a Skokie 4th of July Parade sponsor? Click on this link for sponsorship options. Sponsorships.
Community, Religious and Youth Groups - There is no registration fee for Community Groups, Religious Organizations, or Youth Groups
If you want to donate to the Parade, just click on the donate button below and you can donate via credit card.
The Skokie 4th of July Parade follows strict rules of U.S. flag etiquette, as set forth by the Veterans of Foreign Wars. Please Click here for US Flag Etiquette Rules.
Skokie's Fireworks Festival
At 6:30 p.m. the fun moves to Niles West High School (Oakton Street just west of the Edens Expressway) featuring live music, family activities, and a spectacular fireworks show after dusk for 10,000+ patrons! (The fireworks rain date is July 5.) For more event information call (847) 674-1500.
Want to donate to the Parade, just click on the donate button and donate via credit card
Want to Volunteer, Click on the Volunteer Button to learn More
Become a Sponsor of The Skokie 4th of July Parade, Click on the Sponsorship Button to signup!
Skokie 4th of July Parade is Honored to Welcome
Our 2025 Military Grand Marshal
Lt. Col. (Ret.) Arnie Oskin
The Skokie July 4th Parade proudly honors Lieutenant Colonel (Ret.) Arnie Oskin as the 2025 Military Grand Marshal, recognizing a lifetime of exceptional service to our country and community.
Lt. Col. Oskin began his Army career as an enlisted soldier, serving three years with specialized training in combat infantry, combat medic, and neuropsychiatric medicine. He was assigned to burn units, detox programs, addiction treatment, triage, and psychiatric care at Fort Polk, Fort Sam Houston, Fort Bliss, Fort Leonard Wood, and Fitzsimmons Army Hospital.
Following the completion of his Master’s in Social Work, he received a direct commission as a First Lieutenant in 1972. His leadership took him to key roles in the 395th Army Medical Evacuation Hospital, the 801st Combat Support Hospital Battalion, and the 330th Medical Brigade, overseeing administration, planning, operations, training, security, suicide response, disaster mental health, and ultimately serving as Executive Officer and Commanding Officer of Reserve medical units.
In 1996, Lt. Col. Oskin was deployed to the 67th Army Combat Hospital in Würzburg, Germany, supporting NATO forces during the Kosovo War. During Operation Desert Shield, he played a vital role in establishing a triage and treatment unit for Operation Fiery Vigil, and served as the Deployment and Rear Detachment Officer-in-Chargefor medical personnel stationed in Kuwait and Baghdad.
As Deputy and Acting Chief of the Army’s Social Work Department, Lt. Col. Oskin led transformative programs in domestic violence prevention, supervised 10 military mental health clinics, expanded youth outreach, launched a Parent University initiative, and oversaw continuing education for clinical professionals. His impact earned him national recognition as the 1987 Navy and Marine Corps Social Worker of the Year and Great Lakes Midwest Region Outstanding Professional across two decades.
He retired in 2000 as a Lieutenant Colonel, having earned the Army Commendation Medal, Meritorious Service Medals, Armed Forces Reserve Medal, and campaign awards for his service during the Kosovo conflict.
In civilian life, Arnie Oskin has continued his legacy of service. He served 12 years as a District 73 School Board Trustee, including six years as Vice President and Secretary, and chaired the North Cook Illinois Association of School Boards for a decade. His community involvement includes work with the East Prairie PTA, Skokie’s Family Services Commission, the Skokie Festival of Cultures, and more than 25 years of dedicated service to the Skokie July 4th Parade.
Lt. Col. Arnie Oskin exemplifies leadership, compassion, and commitment to others. It is with great pride that we honor Arnie as our 2025 Skokie 4th of July Parade Military Grand Marshal.
Skokie 4th of July Parade is Honored to Welcome
Our 2024 Grand Marshal Dave Schwan WGN Radio News Anchor The Skokie 4th of July Parade is Excited to announce Dave Schwan, WGN's News Anchor as our 2024 Grand Marshal. Dave Schwan, a/k/a “Schwanie” is honored and delighted to be the Grand Marshal for The Skokie 4th of July Parade! Dave joined WGN Radio as a news anchor and reporter in 2005. Born and raised in Northwest Indiana, Dave’s been working in broadcasting for over 45 years, spending most of his career in the Chicago market. Since 2010, he’s been the Sunday Morning news anchor on WGN Radio's “Dean Richards’ Sunday Morning” show. Dave considers Dean Richards'' Sunday Show a career highlight and is very gratified at the way his “Far-Flung Forecast” feature has become an extremely popular segment of the show. Dave also works for Chicago’s Classical Music station, WFMT-FM. He is the station’s host for the summertime broadcasts from the Grant Park Music Festival in Millennium Park. Please join us in welcoming Dave as the 2024 Skokie 4th Of July Parade Grand Marshal |
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Skokie 4th of July Parade is Honored to Welcome
Our Second 2024 Military Grand Marshal
Brian Baker
Brian Baker joined the Iowa National Guard in 1983 while attending Iowa State University. After his commission as a Second Lieutenant, he served 23 years in the United States Army Reserve, retiring in 2009 at the rank of Major. During his Military career he participated in operations in Jordan, Egypt and Ukraine. After 9-11 Brian was deployed to Fort Bragg NV, Oman and Afghanistan. He served as a special operations military intelligence officer. Brian is honored to be our Military Grand Marshal for The Skokie 4th of July Parade.
Please join us in welcoming Brian as this years second 2024 Skokie 4th Of July Parade Military Grand Marshal
Our Second 2024 Military Grand Marshal
Brian Baker
Brian Baker joined the Iowa National Guard in 1983 while attending Iowa State University. After his commission as a Second Lieutenant, he served 23 years in the United States Army Reserve, retiring in 2009 at the rank of Major. During his Military career he participated in operations in Jordan, Egypt and Ukraine. After 9-11 Brian was deployed to Fort Bragg NV, Oman and Afghanistan. He served as a special operations military intelligence officer. Brian is honored to be our Military Grand Marshal for The Skokie 4th of July Parade.
Please join us in welcoming Brian as this years second 2024 Skokie 4th Of July Parade Military Grand Marshal
The Skokie 4th of July Parade 2024 MC
Ilene Collins
Skokie welcomes this years Parade MC Ilene Collins. Ilene is a taking over the MC duties from our long time MC Roger Badesch, who is now enjoying his retirement years. Ilene is a long time Skokie resident and is a Mental health, Relationship, and Career Coach.
Ilene Collins
Skokie welcomes this years Parade MC Ilene Collins. Ilene is a taking over the MC duties from our long time MC Roger Badesch, who is now enjoying his retirement years. Ilene is a long time Skokie resident and is a Mental health, Relationship, and Career Coach.
Skokie 4th of July Parade is Honored to Welcome
Our National Anthem Singer
Anna Nicolasin
Anna is the Winner of the 2024 Skokie Idol contest at the Skokie Theater. Anna will be singing the National Anthem at this year's Parade. Please join us in welcoming Anna to the 2024 Parade.
Our National Anthem Singer
Anna Nicolasin
Anna is the Winner of the 2024 Skokie Idol contest at the Skokie Theater. Anna will be singing the National Anthem at this year's Parade. Please join us in welcoming Anna to the 2024 Parade.
2023 Skokie 4Th Of July Parade Photos
2019 Skokie 4Th Of July Parade Photos
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Watch the entire 2016 Skokie 4th of July Parade