Evanston RoundTable

Evanston Fourth of July Association announces Schakowsky to be Grand Marshal for 2026 parade

U.S. Rep. Jan Schakowsky waves from a cycle rickshaw during Evanston’s 2025 Fourth of July parade. Schakowsky will serve as Grand Marshal of the 2026 parade. Credit: Richard Cahan The Evanston Fourth of July Association announced Wednesday that longtime U.S. Rep. Jan Schakowsky, an Evanston resident, will be the Grand Marshal for the annual Fourth of July Parade, which this year will focus on the nation’s 250th birthday. Members of the EFJA, which annually puts on the Independence Day celebration in the city, announced in March that this year’s theme will be “Home of the Brave since 1776” to honor the United States’ 250th anniversary and the anniversary of the Declaration of Independence. The EFJA’s celebration is the largest annual event on the North Shore. “Over the many years of dedicated service Jan Schakowsky has given Evanston and the rest of the Ninth District, we are thrilled that we can honor her and her achievements as her government career is winding up,” EFJA President Tracy Alden said. “We feel that she really embodies our theme, ‘Home of the Brave since 1776’ — Jan has bravely stood up for what’s right, for our deepest American principles, and worked to protect and lift up all of us.”  “I’m truly honored and overjoyed to serve as Grand Marshal of this year’s Evanston Fourth of July Parade and to celebrate alongside a community that has given me so much,” Schakowsky said. “Knowing this will be my last Fourth of July parade as a Member of Congress makes this honor even more special. But don’t worry — you can still find me at future parades.”  Schakowsky has served as the U.S. representative for Illinois’ 9th Congressional District since 1999. She announced last year that she will retire at the end of her term in January 2027. Mayor Daniel Biss won the 9th District congressional primary in March and will face off against Arlington Heights pastor John Elleson in November where Biss is largely viewed as the favorite. Schakowsky endorsed Biss in the primary. “With this year’s theme, we wanted to really hone in on what’s most precious about our ‘American Experiment,'” Alden said. “Jan knows firsthand how much courage it takes to live up to the values we set forth, and she’s been doing the hard work every day.” “I’m deeply grateful for the trust and partnership of the people of Evanston. It means the world to mark this moment together,” Schakowsky said. “Thank you, Evanston. I will carry you with me always. I love you!” While participation in last year’s 103rd celebration was at an all-time high, the EFJA says it is facing financial challenges. Despite members’ best efforts to raise funds over the last 10 years, the EFJA’s endowed funds have diminished to the point that by 2030, “We won’t be able to fund the celebration at all” without significant donations and sponsorships, said EFJA Trustee Emeritus Bruce Baumberger. The celebration is a donation-funded event that includes traditional family games at local playgrounds, a youth fun run, a parade and a lakefront evening concert and fireworks. Last year’s event cost more than $160,000, with about $86,000 raised in fees and donations. The EFJA aims to raise at least $100,000 annually to cover costs. This year’s celebration is estimated to cost more than $168,000. The organization will sell T-shirts featuring this year’s theme for the first time to help defray costs. “We know the enthusiasm is there,” Baumberger said. “It’s just vital that we find more funding sources to continue.” The EFJA is also working out ways to improve the events and raise more funds, and is already putting out the call for 2026 volunteers. “We’re always trying to be better, and we get a chance to do that every year,” said Baumberger, who has helped shepherd the celebration for more than 50 years. “We can’t do it alone, though. Evanston residents have some of the best ideas, and together, we’ve made lots of memories. We hope to make a lot more.” For more information, to donate, purchase a T-shirt or volunteer for the 2026 celebration, visit https://evanston4th.org. Evanston Fourth of July Association announces Schakowsky to be Grand Marshal for 2026 parade is from Evanston RoundTable, Evanston's most trusted source for unbiased, in-depth journalism.