Labor Day is much more than just a fun day of barbecues, an extra day off work, and a time to mark the end of the summer season. Labor Day, at its heart, is a day to celebrate and honor those hard-working men and women who have built this great nation and keep it working every day. It is a time to recognize those unsung everyday heroes whose efforts often fly under the radar of our daily lives. Journeyman electricians, union plumbers and carpenters, millwrights, and other trades who collectively forge the backbone of America. Labor Day is their day to stand up and be recognized, and perhaps no town in Northwest Indiana does that better than Lowell, with their long-running Labor Day parade.
Currently in its 102nd year, the Lowell Labor Day parade is the oldest running parade in the state and is extremely popular. The parade draws hundreds if not thousands of spectators who line the streets, staking out their spot, and setting up chairs to watch the festivities roll by (and maybe even score a handful of candy and goodies).
Myra Harris is a real estate broker with McColly Real Estate, one of the parade’s major sponsors.
“We are very proud to be here today and to help sponsor this parade,” said Harris, who added that McColly has sponsored the parade for more than a decade.
“This is our hometown. We live here, we work here, and we believe in supporting this community. We love the small-town feeling of living here in Lowell.”
McColly also sponsors a local coat drive and helps to support the local Boy Scouts and many other local causes.
Wendy Embry works as the managing broker for the Cedar Lake, Lowell, and Schererville offices for McColly.
“It’s about being connected to the community, and I’m proud of that,” said Embry. “I’m proud to be part of a company that believes in supporting local communities instead of sending their profits off to other areas. We keep it local.”
The parade was a large one for the area, with nearly a hundred entries including local fire departments, unions, schools, businesses, and even the Jesse White tumblers from Chicago. Perhaps one of the largest and most heartfelt entries was the Fallen Heroes, who honored those Hoosiers who have made the ultimate sacrifice in serving their country and were honored by name and photograph during the parade.
Krystle Eenigenburg of Lowell was attending the parade with her mother, Loretta.
“We really like the Fallen Heroes. That’s our favorite part, remembering those who gave their lives fighting for our country. It’s beautiful that they honor them here.”
For more information about McColly Real Estate, visit them online at https://www.mccolly.com/
