Akron Fourth of July Parade Again Brings Community Together
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Spectators lined up early to watch the Akron Fourth of July Parade, which stepped off at 2 p.m. Sunday, July 4.
By Ray Balogh
InkFreeNews
AKRON — The Akron Fourth of July parade, themed “Together, We Rise,” drew a gratifying, robust crowd, as evidenced by the hundreds of spectators who lined scores of downtown blocks in 80-plus-degree weather hours before the procession began.
More than 50 entrants participated in the parade, which stepped off at 2 p.m. Sunday, July 4, east of Akron’s main intersection.
Participants in the 45-minute procession included a host of emergency vehicles from surrounding fire, EMS and law enforcement departments to lead the lineup, veterans groups, horses, marching bands, Corvettes and minicars, political candidates, farm equipment, civic organizations and several local businesses.
Winners were chosen beforehand in several categories:
• Floats: Parker & Sons Equipment, first place; Lake City Bank, second place; Mentone Flying Club, third place
• Antique and Classic Automobiles: Hoosier Old Wheels, first; DeLynn Geiger, 1930 Dodge DC8 sedan, second; Graham Geiger, 1948 Ford Super Deluxe, third
• Tractors: Fulton County Power Association, first; Echoes of the Past, second; Orville Reese, third
• Marching Units: Operation Christmas Child, first; Akron-Mentone Kiwanis, second; The Igloo, third
• Bands: Marching Amigos, first; Tippecanoe Valley High School Marching Band, second (only two units competing)
• Horses: Mid America Cowgirls Rodeo Drill Team, first; Miami Indians, second (only two units competing).
Other activities took place during the day at Pike Memorial Park:
• 10:30 a.m., community church service provided by Akron Church of God, Akron United Methodist Church and Casa de Renovacion
• Noon until completed, three-on-three basketball tournament
• Noon to 10 p.m., various food and retail vendors
• 7-10 p.m.,concert featuring the Copper Bridges band
• 10 p.m., fireworks sponsored by Henry Township Volunteer Fire Department
Following are some of the sights at the parade. Photos by Ray Balogh.
Ginger Slisher
- A young spectator adorably reacts to her first glimpse of the Mid American Cowgirls Drill Team as the horses round the corner.
- Brayden Ewing, 4, keeps cool with a chunk of ice while sitting on the remainder of the day’s supply.
- Members of the Rochester American Legion post fire a 21-gun salute while paused at the main intersection of town.
- Reigning Miss Fulton County Ginger Slisher gives a royal wave to the crowd.
- One parade participant helps cool down the crowd with a Super Soaker.
- A rider in the parde “let those suckers fly.”
- A young candy girl inventories the swag she gleaned during the parade.
- A daddy protects his little angel’s ears from the sirens and horn blasts of the emergency vehicles.
- Two generations of farmers pilot a tractor during the parade.
- A young driver shows her joy in doing maneuvers in a minicar during the parade.
- A member of the Tippecanoe Valley High School Marching Band exhibits intense concentration during the parade.
- Nacho Libre shows his moves while his Marching Amigos play a jaunty musical number..
- Two young princesses prepare to bestow treats upon their subjects.
- Members of the Akron Parents Support Group sold ice cream during the day to raise funds for their association. Shown are Molly Collins, left, Pam Rensberger, Kacie Zolman, Kaitlyn Molnar and Megan Meinert.