Despite the outrageous record breaking temperatures, the sidewalks of downtown LaPorte were packed with onlookers determined to participate in the tradition of the 66th Annual LaPorte County Independence Day Parade, hosted by the LaPorte Jaycees.
As the traditional flyover of two U.S. military jets appeared at 10:04, many people took to the streets to get a better view. As the parade made its way down the road, another flyover of two replicas of WWII Japanese fighter planes appeared at 10:35.
In order to beat the heat, the Kankakee fire truck was using its hose to spray the crowds as they drove by. This was enjoyed by people of all ages who were happy to cool down.
“I liked how they honored the firefighters in the middle of the parade instead of at the end,” bystander Sharron England, who has been going to the parade yearly since 1958, said. “They deserve that honor. I appreciate all who participated and realize how difficult it was due to the horribly hot weather.”
No matter the weather or temperatures, the citizens of LaPorte and the surrounding areas always hold the 4th of July Parade as a traditional must in their hearts.
Click here to check out more photos of the parade, taken by Richard Warner of Visual Impressions Photography and LaPorteCountyLife.com!