Gary?s annual Independence Day parade brings out Mayor Freeman-Wilson

By Lisa DeNeal Post-Tribune correspondent July 4, 2013 10:52PM

Lisha Jones (left) and her sister Christine Conley, of Gary, show their patriotism while waiting for the City of Gary's annual Independence Day Parade to begin. | Lisa DeNeal~for the Post-Tribune

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Updated: July 5, 2013 2:00AM

GARY ? Moments before the annual Gary Fourth of July parade started, Peggy Cheeks and her mother, Allean Johnson, of Gary, laughed as they were asked if the sidewalk in front of a medical building on 13th and Broadway was their ?reserved? spot.

?Yes! We bring our chairs, umbrellas, water and snacks right here every year,? Cheeks said. ?We?ve been sitting here since 7 a.m.,? Johnson said before biting into a breakfast sandwich her grandson gave her.

They were among the groups of parade fans lined along the curbs near the city?s stage, listening to a DJ play rhythm and blues while waiting for the parade to arrive from 21st and Broadway.

?We love Gary and we are here to support our city and the youth,? Johnson said.

The parade arrived near 15th and Broadway when the national anthem played through the loudspeakers as the Gary Police Department?s motorcycle and ATV units roared by. Immediately following were officers from the Indiana State Police, Lake County Sheriff?s Department and first responders from the Gary Fire Department. Area politicians, candidates, church groups, schools and organizations showed off their decorated floats and vehicles while passing out candy to eager children.

Gary Mayor Karen Freeman-Wilson walked the parade route, greeting the attendees with handshakes and hugs.

?This is a great day to celebrate patriotism, the men and women in the military, families, friends and freedom,? she said.

Gary residents Lisha Jones and her sister Christine Conley showed their patriotism wearing red, white and blue from head to toe. Their children also wore the American colors, as well as Conley?s dog, Chuckles who wore a red and white t-shirt.

?We love celebrating the Fourth of July. We are originally from Chicago but have been in Gary eight years and every year we?ve attended a parade,? Jones said.

Source: http://posttrib.suntimes.com/21122156-418/garys-annual-independence-day-parade-brings-out-mayor-freeman-wilson.html

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