Naperville, Ill. – The Naperville Jaycees announced that KidsMatter, a local nonprofit dedicated to youth mental health and leadership development, will serve as Grand Marshal of the city’s 2026 Labor Day Parade. The parade is scheduled to start at 10 a.m. on Monday, Sept. 7, and will travel through downtown Naperville.
KidsMatter’s 25‑year milestone
KidsMatter is celebrating its 25th anniversary this year. The organization works with schools, mental‑health providers, and public‑safety agencies to create the Collaborative Youth Team of Illinois, a coalition of more than 30 groups focused on prevention, stress management, crisis intervention, and parental guidance. Its programs aim to help young people say “no” to destructive choices and “yes” to positive opportunities.
“We are incredibly grateful to each of the community leaders and partners who have helped KidsMatter build resilient youth for the past 25 years,” said Nina Menis, CEO and Executive Director of KidsMatter. “As the many challenges facing young people continue to evolve, so do our programs — but our commitment never wavers.”
Parade details
The Labor Day Parade, promoted as the “Last Fling,” is organized by the Naperville Jaycees in partnership with NeighbrHub. The route will begin at the downtown core and proceed along the traditional parade corridor, concluding after the main march. Residents can watch the procession live on Xfinity Channel 17 or stream it via nctv17.org.
In addition to KidsMatter’s Grand Marshal duties, the parade will feature local schools, marching bands, community groups, and veteran organizations. The event is intended to showcase Naperville’s civic spirit and provide a family‑friendly celebration of the holiday.
How to get involved
Community members who wish to support KidsMatter or learn more about its programs can visit the organization’s website at kidsmatter2us.org. Those interested in volunteering for the parade or contributing to the event can find information on the Last Fling website, lastfling.org, which also offers a map of the parade route and a downloadable program.
The Naperville Jaycees encourage residents to attend the parade, celebrate local youth, and consider ongoing support for KidsMatter’s mission to strengthen families and build a healthier community.
Original reporting: Positively Naperville (Aurora area) — read the source article.
