Arlington Heights Lunatics Call Dibs On Spots Along Parade Route

Wow, Arlington Heights's Fourth of July parade must be a big deal. People call dibs on spots along the route days in advance, which...is insane. This year, the village is asking people not to call dibs earlier than the night before the parade. Which is still insane.

People mark their territory with stakes and rope (industrious!), lawn chairs, blankets held down with bricks, a sprinkler—you name it. It can be kind of a mess, so officials are hoping people will cool their jets this year. Still, people get excited.

Joan Daily's husband, Brian, calls it his Christmas. He sets up a table every year, and mixes bloody marys for the 100 or so guests who show up at his place for the festivities.

Brian, I will see you Friday. [Trib, festive July Fourth-y photo by doug.siefken]