2026 Grand Marshal

Glen Ellyn Honors Local "Superman" Jonathan Charbonneau

The Glen Ellyn 4th of July Committee is pleased to announce Jonathan Charbonneau as Grand Marshal of its upcoming Independence Day Parade.

Jonathan, a Glen Ellyn resident with autism, is well known throughout the community for appearing as Superman at local events for more than 35 years. His story was recently told through the documentary Saving Superman, produced by Brendan Fraser, and winner of the 2025 Critics' Choice Documentary Award.

Saving Superman follows Jonathan’s life in Glen Ellyn, where he is celebrated for his everyday acts of kindness.

The Glen Ellyn Independence Day Foundation is an Illinois not-for-profit corporation organized exclusively for charitable and educational purposes.

The Foundation has applied (or intends to apply) for recognition as a tax-exempt public charity under Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code. IRS determination is pending. If approved, recognition is generally expected to be retroactive to the Foundation’s date of incorporation as permitted under federal law.

The Foundation intends to register (or is registered) with the Illinois Attorney General as required by the Illinois Charitable Trust Act and the Solicitation for Charity Act. Contracts and financial reports regarding the Foundation are (or will be) on file with the Illinois Attorney General.

Information may be obtained from the Illinois Attorney General’s Office at 1-800-243-0618 or www.illinoisattorneygeneral.gov.

Registration does not imply endorsement.