Rainy weather was no match for the spirit of the Fishers Freedom Festival Parade June 25th. Thousands of Fishers residents filled the downtown area in anticipation of the annual parade.
“We look forward to going every year,” said Jill Ruby, adding that it has become a family tradition. “Going to the parade has become a special part of our summer.”
Fishers residents began lining up on 116th Street an hour before the 4 p.m. event. Many brought lawn chairs and blankets to keep them off the wet grass during the hour-long parade. This year’s local celebrities included Senator Dan Burton and several news personalities, such as WTHR Channel 6 morning anchor Grace Trahan.
[kml_flashembed movie="http://www.youtube.com/v/TMaFR4fdtVg" width="425" height="350" wmode="transparent" /]Groups from church bands to local dance studios showcased their talent in the parade. This year, Target was a show-stopper by passing out huge, colorful bouncy balls and pinwheels for kids. Another favorite for children and adults alike was the giant Combine from Reynolds Farm valued at $280,000.
Kids of all ages cheered on parade participants as they passed by. Candy favorites like Tootsie rolls and suckers were scattered on the street by parade participants for the kids to pick up.
“The candy thrown at the parade is my favorite part of it!” said 6-year-old Elise Ruby.
Some local businesses used it as an opportunity to market their themselves by giving out free items such as frisbees and water bottles with company logos.
The parade came to a close with playing of the well-know song “Proud to Be an American.” As the song echoed down 116th Street, it served as a reminder of the three F’s – Family, Fun and Fishers. All of which were very much at the heart and core of its residents during the parade.
Rain or shine, The Freedom Festival Parade brought together residents from all over Fishers.
“The sense of community is a big reason why we choose to live in Fishers,” said Ruby. “We are already looking forward to next year!”
Pictured above: Four-year-old twins Sophie and Claire Blackwell enjoy some ice cream at the Festival after the 4 p.m. parade. (Story by Mary Susan Buhner; photos by Laura Gates)
