Dancing gypsies, flipping acrobats, blaring sirens, colorful clowns, and a never-ending chorus of music. No, this was not some menagerie or 1970s music video. This was the 67th Annual La Porte Jaycees' 4th of July Parade. The parade is one of the best known of the area and draws people in near and far-estimates say 40,000 people. From Lincolnway to State Road 2, the streets were lined with spectators dressed up in their red, white, and blue ready for the visual treat.
La Porte Jaycee’s Management Vice President Amy McGarvey said, “For 67 years the La Porte Jaycees have proudly sponsored and organized the 4th of July Parade. It is our way of giving back to the community and wishing the USA, "Happy Birthday!" ”
La Porte does not hold some run-of-the-mill stars and stripes parade. La Porte holds a fantastic sprawling celebration of the nation full of entertainment of all shapes, sizes, and colors. Starting at 11 a.m. the parade kicked off with the iconic and loud fly-over. The procession was led by the enormous American flag supported by an expanse of volunteers while tunes celebrating the United States blared.
McGarvey continued, “It takes us nearly an entire year to plan the parade and the other parts that go into making a successful 4th of July. Those parts include an Arts & Crafts Show; multiple nights of Beer Barns; a Stars & Stripes Run; the programs that get passed out along the parade route; a VIP Tent during the fireworks; and the Fireworks Celebration. A lot of time, money and effort go into this; but in the end, it is worth it to see the community come together on this one day and have a great time!”
The festive procession contained dignitaries, elaborately decorated floats, and organizations. Over 118 groups were included in this year’s parade lineup. The parade’s theme this year was “Blast from the Past: Honoring History in LaPorte;” therefore, the 2013 Grand Celebration Marshall was LaPorte County Historian Fern Eddy Schultz. Spectators were thrown candy and festive goodies. To beat the heat, some event piled into the back of trucks full of water.
Annual spectator Brittany Dunbar said, “ I have been going to the La Porte parade since I was little. It is a tradition, and I love the free hot dogs.”
When the parade was finished, the streets cleared as families headed off to continue celebrating the United States.
McGarvey closed, “ The La Porte Jaycees would like to thank everyone for coming out to help support and celebrate with us. We look forward to continuing this tradition for many years to come.”