The 118th Lake Forest Day Parade will travel east on Deerpath Road through the Central Business District for the first time on Wednesday, August 5, a route change that puts spectators in front of downtown shops and restaurants instead of concentrating them solely along Western Avenue.

The parade starts at 10 a.m. at the intersection of Deerpath Road and Oakwood Avenue, proceeds east on Deerpath to Western Avenue, then continues south along the traditional route to Westminster and West Park, according to the official lakeforestday.com site and a Patch report published the week of July 12. In prior years, the parade ran along Western Avenue without the Deerpath Road segment.

Pre-parade party at Market Square

A free family party at Market Square runs from 8 to 10 a.m. on August 5, two hours before the parade begins. The event features balloons, bubble animals, and complimentary mini bagels from Once Upon a Bagel, the family-owned chain's carry-out location at 268 E. Deerpath Rd. The Lake Forest Day site encourages attendees to arrive early to secure viewing spots along the route.

Once Upon a Bagel has operated in Lake Forest as part of a family of restaurants with locations in Winnetka, Northbrook, and Highland Park since 1982.

Full schedule

The two-day celebration begins Tuesday, August 4, with a carnival at West Park from 6 to 10 p.m. featuring music by CROYA's Jam Band. On August 5, a 5K Fun Run starts at 7 a.m. at Deerpath Community Park, followed by the Market Square party, the parade at 10 a.m., and a full carnival day from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m.

This year's theme, announced by American Legion McKinlock Post 264, salutes the 250th anniversary of the United States. The Great Lakes Navy Band will perform as part of the parade.

McKinlock Post 264, chartered in 1919 at 801 N. McKinley Road, has sponsored Lake Forest Day since 1921 as its primary annual fundraiser. The post states that 100 percent of proceeds support veterans, youth programs, and patriotic initiatives in Lake County.

The parade map and marching order have not yet been published; lakeforestday.com states both will be posted once the parade order is finalized.