Meet the Herwaldts, Glen Ellyn Fourth of July Grand Marshals

Paul’s Shoe Service owners Doug and Mary Herwaldt have been selected as the grand marshals of the Glen Ellyn Fourth of July Parade, the Chicago Tribune reports, as the Village shifts from a generic patriotic theme for the parade to one recognizing “Glen Ellyn, Home of the Champions” and spotlighting accomplished locals.

Glen Ellyn Patch profiled Doug Herwaldt in detail in August 2012 as Paul’s Shoe Service celebrated 60 years in business. In the profile, Herwaldt discusses the challenges of cobbler in an era where fewer and fewer people invest in quality shoes that they regularly have repaired.

“Our secret is we are very diversified,” he said, referring to the shop’s policy of fixing everything from baseball tarps to lawnmower blades. “Our motto is: If you can get it in my store, we can fix it.”

According to the Tribune, Herwaldt grew up watching his father march in the parade annually with the Knights of Columbus. He also volunteers locally with the Chamber of Commerce, Little League, the Glen Ellyn Jaycees and more, the paper said.

The parade starts at noon on July 4 at Glenbard West High School and will travel to Lake Ellyn. More information is available at the Glen Ellyn 4th of July website. 

Read more at the Chicago Tribune website.