Cowboys, marching bands, and Senate candidates were all part of the parades in Wheaton and Evanston.
Republican Senate hopeful Mark Kirk was in Wheaton, while his Democratic opponent Alexi Giannoulias marched in Evanston's parade.
Giannoulias challenged Kirk's criticism of his tax return, which was made public Friday.
It shows Giannoulias received nearly $30,000 in refunds even as his family's bank collapsed. Giannoulias tried to turn the focus back onto Kirk.
"You know, the reason we're in this mess today is because of decisions Mark Kirk, a quintessential Washington insider, has been making," said Giannoulias.
Kirk took the opportunity to continue to focus on Giannoulias' taxes.
"Its interesting that he would want to raise our taxes, but his records show he didn't pay any federal tax last year himself," said Kirk.
Both candidates for governor also marched in the parades Sunday.
Republican Bill Brady was in Wheaton, while Evanston hosted incumbent Democrat Pat Quinn.
