Independence Day Events Come Back with Great Success
Merrillville Officials brought back the Independence Day celebrations this year after a two-year break and residents seems to be ready to enjoy the festivities coming out in huge numbers to enjoy both the July 3rd Fireworks display and the July 4th holiday parade.
Merrillville Town Officials partnered with the Merrillville School Corporation to host the site for fireworks which seemed to allow many more residents to park and enjoy the display at the far south end of the school property. The show, put on by the Mad Bomber Company was a fantastic 25-minute show and awesome grand finale. Spector’s brought chairs and blankets and all had a front row seat to enjoy (and feel) the display. Hundreds of vehicles attended and enjoyed the family event. I’d like to thank our school system for allowing the town to have the fireworks there on the school property.
The Parade this year started at the, only a year old, Dean and Barbara White Community Center which was a great place to stage the parade participants. The Parade began at 1:30 p.m. and traveled south on Broadway ending at 80th Place. Thousands of residents and area visitors lined both sides of Broadway and enjoyed the various parade entries that entertained everyone.
Merrillville Police Officer Barry Clayton, also a helicopter pilot with the Lake County Sheriff’s Department buzzed the crowd several times to open the parade. We were sorry that the military jets could not make it this year due to the parade timing. Maybe next year.
Several groups from our high school and junior high schools performed, the Lake County Corvette Club brought many Corvettes, Centier Bank, area churches, the Haunted House, Lion’s Club, and area officials all participated with floats, bands, cheers, and decorated vehicles. The parade lasted about an hour and Mother Nature cooperated and held off on rain until well after the last vehicle finished the Parade.
Please enjoy the photo gallery that I captured of the parade. You just might see someone you know! Click the button below to view the photo gallery.
Rick Bella for the Town of Merrillville