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| Wednesday, July 02, 2008 | (No comments posted.)
FESTIVITIES | Valparaiso
The Mayor's 4th of July celebration begins at 6:30 p.m. July 4 at T.J. Middle School, south parking lot. ring a lawn chair or a blanket for best viewing comfort. Music will be provided by Kicks, LaPorte Symphony and the ConservaDellics. Fireworks begin at dusk.
FYI: (219) 464-8332.
PARADE | Valparaiso
Valparaiso's second July 4th parade and celebration begins at 11:20 a.m. at Valparaiso University’s ARC (Athletic Recreational Center) on Union Street. The parade will proceed down Union Street to Morgan and end up at Will Park. Parade organizers invite families, groups of friends, clubs, and organizations alike to get out the kazoos and other noise-makers and join the parade. Parade participants will begin to line-up at 11 a.m. in the large parking lot across from the ARC. The celebration will continue at Will Park on Morgan Street. From noon to 4 p.m. there will be food, live music, games and kids’ crafts. The music line up includes The Oxcart Ramblers, The Planetary Blues Band, The Hoosier Recruits, and James and Stacy Cannon. All proceeds from the event will help support community programs at the Reiner Community Center.
FYI: Call (219) 464-9997.
JULY 4TH PARADE | Portage
The annual Portage Fourth of July Parade will step off at 11 a.m. July 4th from the Aylesworth Elementary School parking lot, 5910 Central Ave. The parade will continue south down Willowcreek Road and end at Lute Road. Parade applications are available at the mayor’s office, 6070 Central Ave., or at RE/MAX Hometown Professionals, 3200 Willowcreek Road. The fireworks again will be provided by Melrose Pyrotechnics and will start at approximately 9 p.m. at the Willowcreek Middle School football field, 5962 Central Ave. The Portage parks department again will offer refreshments for a fee and will provide activities prior to the fireworks.
FYI: Call (219) 762-1675 or (219) 762-5425.
JULY FOURTH PARADE | South Haven
South Haven American Legion Post 502 will host the 4th of July parade again this year at 4 p.m. July 4. The theme for the parade is 4th of July. Participants can use any era to reflect the theme. The parade will end at the American Legion, 429 W. County Road 750 North, where participants will be treated to hot dogs and pop. Awards will be given at that time.
FYI: Call (219) 759-2121.
FIREWORKS | Hebron
The July 3 fireworks will be held at dusk east of Hebron Elementary School. The parade starts at 10 a.m. July 4. The parade route starts at the high school and ends at Country Square Mall. The road will be only open for the parade. The road will be closed after the parade. Following the parade the Turtle derby will be held in the parking lot of 1st Source bank.
FYI: Call (219) 996-5678.
FOURTH CELEBRATION | E.C.
Mayor George Pabey presents the city's Independence Day celebration July 3 at the East Chicago Marina boardwalk. Latin Satin Soul will perform during the celebration for all ages. Fireworks by the Mad Bomber will be set off at dusk. Activities start at 7 p.m. Food and drinks will be available. It's sponsored by Pabey, the marina and Ameristar Casino.
FYI: Call (219) 391-8200.
INDEPENDENCE PARADE | Griffith
Griffith Special Events Committee sponsors the town's annual Independence Parade on July 4. The theme is "Proud to be...." Applications are being accepted; they are available at Town Hall and by phone. Monetary prizes ranging from $500 to $200 will be given to the top three floats and the top three bands performing. Line up at 9 a.m. in the lot at St. Mary Hildebrandt Hall, 525 N. Lafayette. The parade begins at 10 a.m. and proceeds south on Broad Street from Pine to Main Street.
FYI: Call (219) 923-1648.
INDEPENDENCE DAY | Hammond
Hammond Parks and Recreation Department and the Hammond Public Library invite area residents to the city's yearly Independence Day Celebration on July 4 in Harrison Park, Hohman Avenue and Waltham Street. The park is open all day for those with picnics or those who want to buy food from vendors starting at 2 p.m. The library hosts a patriotic concert in the band shell starting 5:15 p.m. and at 6 p.m. a naturalization ceremony is planned. After the newest citizens are welcomed, enjoy the music of the Bill Porter Orchestra. The band continues to play during a fireworks display by BaDaBoom! Pyrotechnics as soon as it gets dark. Admission is free.
FYI: Call (219) 853-6378 or visit www.gohammond.com.
FOURTH FESTIVAL | Gary
The City of Gary's Fourth of July festival will move this year to the parking lot next to Bennigan's at 500 E. Fifth Ave. The musical entertainment includes Angela Winbush, deejay UNK, Blazed, 3 Piece, Ben One, Block Royal, Slave and Uneek. The free event, sponsored by Black Diamond Entertainment and the Mayor's Office of Special Events, is planned for 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. The parade kicks off the celebration at 9 a.m.
FYI: Call (219) 881-1314.
JOIN THE PARADE | Hobart
Hobart 2008 4th of July Parade Committee has selected "Hobart Hometown Pride" as the theme for this year's parade, set for 10 a.m. July 4 beginning at Mundell Field on Wisconsin Street. Long-time resident and community leader Virginia Curtis, Community Improvement Committee chair and Hobart Chamber of Commerce director, is the grand marshal. The Indiana Air National Guard will conduct an F-16 flyover. The entry fee is $10, and applications are available from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Friday at the Hobart Chamber of Commerce office, 1001 Lillian St. Parade awards will be presented to the winners before the evening's fireworks display at Festival Park. Award categories are Best Parade Theme Float, Best Organization Float, Best Commercial Float, Best High School Marching Band, Best Patriotic Costume Entry, Best Youth Group, Best Bicycle Entry, Best Horse Entry and Judges' Choice.
FYI: Call (219) 942-5774.
SHOW SUPPORT | Cedar Lake
The starting point for Cedar Lake's annual 4th of July Parade has been moved this year. Entries will line up at 9 a.m. July 4 and the parade will begin at 10 a.m. at Jane Ball Elementary School, 13313 Parrish Ave., due to the ongoing construction on 133rd Avenue in front of the high school. The Cedar Lake Volunteer Fire Department is hosting this year's parade and the theme is "Support Volunteers." Participating entries should give a brief description of their organization/business and what type of entry they will sponsor. Categories include marching units, color guards, floats, displays, horses and riders, motorized vehicles and motorcycles. Completed entry forms should be mailed to the Cedar Lake Fire Department, Attn. Nick Mager Jr., P.O. Box 459, Cedar Lake, IN 46303, or faxed to (219) 374-5999.
FYI: Call (219) 374-5961 for a parade form.
LET FREEDOM RING | Lake Station
Lake Station Chamber of Commerce will host the annual 4th of July Parade, with the theme "Let Freedom Ring," at 5 p.m. July 3. Trophy categories are Best of Parade, one $200 winner, and first-, second- and third-place for Best Band Group, Best Business Float, Best Organizational Float, Best Private Special Edition Car, Best Company Special Edition Car, Best Organizational Motor Group, Best Marching/Walking Unit, Best Performing Unit, Best Private or Political Walking Group and Best Individual or Organizational Non Motorized Unit. Entries should begin lining up at 4 p.m. at Columbus Park, 29th and Clay Street. The parade route will travel east to DeKalb Street, north to Central Avenue, east to Ripley Street and south to Riverview Park, where prizes will be awarded. Completed entry forms and fee, $10 for nonprofit groups and $25 for others, must be received by June 29. A fireworks display will begin at dusk July 4 at Riverview Park, 2701 Ripley St.
FYI: Call Robert Jonaitis at (219) 962-1700 or Bill Eaton at (219) 962-1987.
PARADE & FIREWORKS | Crown Point
Crown Point's annual 4th of July Parade will start at 2 p.m. July 4 at Taft Middle School, 1000 S. Main St. and head north on Main Street. Entries should line up at 1 p.m. A fireworks display will be held at dusk over Fancher Lake at the Lake County Fairgrounds, 889 S. Court St.
FYI: call (219) 662-3290.
BROADWAY PARADE | Merrillville
The Merrillville 4th of July Parade will step off at noon July 4 at 55th and Broadway, heading south to 6500 Broadway.
FYI: Call (219) 980-5911.
FREEDOM'S EVE | Calumet City
The Calumet Memorial Park District, in conjunction with the City of Calumet City, will present Freedom’s Eve July 3 at the Superior Street Complex, adjacent to Thornton Fractional North High School, 755 Pulaski Road in Calumet City. The Kiddie Karnival, featuring old-fashioned carnival games for kids, will be from 5 to 7 p.m. Tickets are 25 cents each or five for $1. The free Basketball Hot Shots Contest will be held at 6 p.m. Live music from the legendary Ides of March will begin at 7 p.m. The fireworks display will be held at 9:15 p.m.
FYI: Call (708) 862-6443 or visit calumetmemorialparkdistrict.com.
CONCERT | Homewood
Enjoy free music under the stars at Homewood-Flossmoor Park District’s 45th annual Community Band Concerts for all ages.
A concert is from 8 to 9 p.m. July 3 at the Irwin Community Center Bandshell. Bring a lawn chair or blanket.
FYI: Call (708) 957-PARK or visit hfparks.com.
GRAND OLE 4TH | Lansing
Lan-Oak Park District will have its Grand Ole Fourth celebration July 4 at Lan-Oak Park, 178th and 180th and Arcadia and Oakley. There will be carnival games and Taste of Lansing food booths open from 4 to 9 p.m. Good Times Band will perform from 7 to 9:30 p.m. Contests will take place throughout the day including a big bounce contest at 5:30 p.m., potato sack races at 6:30 p.m. and a watermelon eating contest at 8:30 p.m. Fireworks are at 9:30 p.m.
FYI: Call (708) 474-8552
CELEBRATE 4TH | Tinley Park
The Tinley Park-Park District will present its Fourth of July celebration July 4 at McCarthy Park, 16801 S. 80th Ave. The festivities begin with the Stars & Stripes 5K Run and Fun Walk, a TAC certified race, at 8 a.m. at McCarthy Park. Opening ceremonies take place at 4 p.m. with veterans from the Tinley Park VFW and American Legion raising the flag to the Star Spangled Banner, performed by Megan Waltman. From 4 to 8 p.m. families can enjoy free activities including a penny carnival, clowns with free helium balloons, horseshoe tournament, bingo, free watermelon, interactive NASCAR racing and more. Other festivities include live music performed by the Arts Alive! Jazz Band, featured entertainers - The Hay Guys, and the Bruce Korosa Polka Band. The grand finale fireworks extravaganza takes place at 9:15 p.m.
FYI: Call (708) 342-4200 or visit www.tinleyparkdistrict.org.
FAMILY FUN FEST | Homewood
Celebrate Independence Day with fun for the entire family at Homewood-Flossmoor Park District’s annual Family Fun Fest on July 4. Family Fun Fest runs from noon to 3 p.m. at Izaak Walton Preserve, 1100 Ridge Road. It features food, carnival games, six different inflatable attractions including waterslide and obstacle courses, interactive DJ entertainment and more. Tickets for games may be purchased at Family Fun Fest. Attractions and games range from 50 cents to $1.50. Wristbands will also be available this year for $12, allowing unlimited visits to games and attractions. Food and beverages will be available and are coordinated by the Homewood Izaak Walton Preserve.
FYI: Call H-F Park District at (708) 957-PARK or visit hfparks.com.
FIREWORKS DISPLAY | Schererville
The town of Schererville and the Schererville Parks and Recreation Department will have fireworks at dusk July 3 at Rohrman Park. In the event of severe weather, the fireworks will be July 4. Food, music and fun begin at 7 p.m.
FYI: Call (219) 865-5530.
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