Michigan City Summer Fest Takes Hat Off to Veterans

Blue skies welcomed the annual Summer Festival parade, which was an immense relief to all. Close to 130 organizations performed and marched from 10th Street down Franklin Street to Ames Field as the city honored veterans of the Iraq War.

Lou Weber, a member of the Michigan City Summer Festival Board, shared that veterans and their families could walk in the parade to honor the many who practiced persistence and strength through wartime.

Throughout the procession, every float or performance was not just dedicated to summer or the 4th of July. Instead, signs on vehicles adorned names with an array of appreciation that followed. By recognizing a specific group of people, the community comes together which creates a feeling of goodwill.

 A motorcycle drill team was formed by the Michigan City Police Mark Swistek, the Chief of Police, led three other officers in various formations to begin the parade. They wowed the crowd with their coordination from weaving back and forth in the street to holding a circular shape while keeping in motion.

 “This is a great way to bring the community together and enjoy the weather,” said Swistek.

 Many companies, recognized associations, stores and restaurants walked, marched or drove throughout the almost two hour festival. School related floats, cheerleaders, marching band members, flag twirlers and clubs took up most of Franklin Street along with dance, defense and entertainment corporations.

“The Summer Festival this year is pretty good. They are right on time without a single delay in sight,” one bystander replied when asked about the parade’s pace.

 The Orak Temple Guard had a wide form of display which consisted of motorcycles, new Corvettes, classic cars and miniature vehicles.

 “They do a lot of good for kids. Michigan City is their home base, but they have other members in various cities,” one observer said. 

 Janita Davis, a Port Authority Member and a Summer Festival Committee Member, informed that Joseph Doyle was the head of the parade staff, but all members of the festival had to chip in somehow for everything to run smoothly.

 “It’s a group effort for sure. Everyone brings something to the table and we work from there,” Doyle said.

 This was her first year on the committee and hopefully not the last.

 Michigan City is a wonderful place to have a Summer Festival, especially with Lake Michigan a couple miles away. The veterans who served in the Iraq War were thankful to be commended for their courage and valor. Their joyous waving and smiles were the best proof that could ever be expected.

 Click here for more great photos of the parade, taken by Richard Warner of Visual Impressions Photography and LaPorteCountyLife.com!