BLOOMINGTON - Rain didn't come close to washing away Fourth of July patriotism and excitement on Saturday. But, the rain did cause some events to move to Sunday.

"As long as there's not lightning on the Fourth of July, we're game for anything.

"It (the rain) doesn't bother the kids or ruin the patriotic day," said Amy Keaton of Mahomet, who helped her children decorate scooters for the 11th annual Children's Independence Day Parade at Clearwater Park in Bloomington.

She and her father, Mike McGaughan of Bloomington, watch-ed her sons Robert, 3, and Ryan Keaton, 8, walk in the rainy parade. Amy Keaton's husband and the boys' father, firefighter Sean Keaton was on duty in Urbana.

The Keatons were among about 20 participating in the rainy march through the park that ended in the pavilion. There children were awarded ribbons and gift bags, including a voucher for ice cream, a coloring book with crayons and American flags donated by local businesses.

In better weather, turnout usually hovers around 30, said Steve Rader, chairman of the Bloomington-Normal Association of Realtors, which sponsored the parade.

Radar decided to go ahead with this year's event because parents and kids arrived ready to go. "It's for the kids," he said.

Some had spent hours decorating scooters, bikes and even making little floats.

"Cardboard and rain don't mix. We obviously didn't check the weather forecast," joked Terina Escobedo of Normal. She and husband Tom helped make a cardboard barn for their daughter Ella, 5, to be in the parade with her brother Antonio, 3. Ella did stay relatively dry in the barn.

After the parade everyone huddled in the pavilion for the awards ceremony.

Others facing rain around Central Illinois also found shelter in pavilions - including Rachel Stroud of Bloomington and her family.

They met for a picnic at Miller Park on Saturday morning. "I've been planning this for a year and I'm not backing down," she said. About a dozen people gathered at the Miller Park spot, staying dry under the shelter. But, some children played football in the rain.

People at Carriage Hills subdivision in Normal simply converted their annual July 4th Neighborhood Celebration and Children's Parade into a garage party.

There a face painter added a festive touch,while children's crafts and games, and a hearty potluck breakfast took place. It all occurred in the comfort of the Mays family garage on Stanhope Lane. Their place was chosen because the family had a "clean garage" the neighbors joked.

"I see neighbors on the Fourth that I don't see all year," said Sharon Hamaker.

Generally, the subdivision hosts a parade of children where parents throw candy to them. This year instead Hamaker helped children scoop candy into colorful bags the youngsters had decorated.

Even through some games were canceled because of the rain, Marcia May said, "It was better than it could have been."

Waiting out the rain

In some communities, events were delayed or moved to Sunday. In Downs, the noon parade waited out the rain and started at 4 p.m.

---

Delayed to Sundday

Area July 4 events now reset for today include:

-- Lake Bloomington fireworks at sunset

-- The Pantagraph's Celebrate America patriotic musical variety show, 5 p.m. at the Miller Park Bandstand, Bloominton.

-- Chenoa's fireworks will be in City Park at dusk.

-- Eureka's Independence Day parade starts at 4 p.m.

-- In Minonk, several events moved to today include: the Ambulance Association Pork Chops at 5 p.m., the cake walk at 6 p.m., "Borderline" on the main stage from 6 to 9 p.m., and fireworks at dark. All are at Sutton's Park, Minonk.

-- In Towanda, the 41st annual flea market went forward Saturday, but organizers also decided to add Sunday hours from 9 to 5 p.m.