The 4th of July is no doubt the largest celebration that is observed nationwide, but for the City of Hobart, the Independence Day Parade is an event that holds special importance that is a year in the making. Each year the parade carries a different theme and this year, “America the Beautiful” was displayed proudly.
“We start planning for this parade in February,” said Lisa Winstead, Executive Director of the Hobart Chamber of Commerce. “It’s a huge group effort from the city, the city special events, the police station and the fire station and our military groups. They are all involved in planning the parade.”
The parade requires extensive planning which the Hobart Chamber of Commerce, along with dedicated volunteers, take part in to ensure the each year’s parade is greater than the last. But this year, a sense of unity and pride was expressed through the strong military presence that was seen at the parade.
“Our Grand Marshal is a WWII veteran that has done so much to make America beautiful,” said Winstead. “You will notice also that we have a strong military presence this year.”
Military men and women walked side by side carrying the American flag as crowds on either side of the street cheered, and expressed their gratitude for their service. As important as the parade is to the City of Hobart, it is a community event that brings people from all over Northwest Indiana- even the country- together to celebrate the nation’s birthday.
“The Fourth of July in Hobart is a classic; people that move far away across the country will come back just to see the parade in Hobart,“ said Nikki Lopez, Events Director for the City of Hobart. “It’s definitely the place to be on the Fourth of July.”
Because of the huge turnout that is expected every year, parade goers try to map out the most strategic spot to sit in, and prepare for the parade hours, and even days in advance.
“The chairs have been lined up for days, actually, someone thought that it was a protest!” said Winstead. “That’s how big the parade is in Hobart.”
The City of Hobart was expecting to see new faces at the parade, as it grows by the numbers each year, but it also welcomed back familiar faces that made it a point to attend annually.
“We try to come every year because it’s a great parade you can’t beat it,” said Kristen Lotkowski, a dedicated parade attendee. “And usually everything is within walking distance and parking is very easy, so it’s nice.”
It was an all-day affair in Hobart for the Fourth of July. Local organizations and institutions marched together, while families and friends enjoyed some fun in the sun and what the parade had to offer. It was a day of unity, as thousands of people cheered and celebrated the nation and freedom together.
For more information on the events and programs hosted by the Hobart Chamber of Commerce, please visit www.hobartchamber.com.
