Published: July 05, 2008 12:33 am      

Fun for everyone

Residents choose from variety of Fourth of July activities

Patriotic colors flooded the streets of Walton and Logansport’s Fairview Park as local residents celebrated the Fourth of July.

Families had a variety of events to choose from on the holiday, with some even bringing the family dog.

In Logansport, the day started off with a Freedom Fun Walk at Little Turtle Waterway on Friday morning and continued with free swimming at Tower Park, a car show, karaoke and fireworks at Fairview Park.

Tom Swisher said he had one main reason for taking his 1961 Corvette to the inaugural car show.

“To support the local show,” he said.

Swisher’s wife, Nancy, thought the turnout was decent, since the show was competing against another car show in Walton.

“We get to meet people you’ve never seen, and it’s relaxing,” she said.

John Adair, who brought his 1963 Corvette, said he would be back with his wife and the Swishers to watch the fireworks show Friday night.

Logansport residents Charles and Susan Phillipy stopped by Fairview Park to see the car show and vote on their favorite. They also stopped at one of several food booths.

“We ate some ice cream and now we’re listening to some music,” said Susan. “Now we’ll go home and go to another party.”

The couple said they would eventually make their way to Walton for fireworks.

A parade kicked off the day’s events in Walton at 2 p.m.

The parade started at Lewis Cass High School and traveled along U.S. 35, where several hundred people lined the streets to watch and pick up treats.

Children dashed to grab candy tossed out by participants in the annual parade.

Four-year-old Peyton Livesay had great success in gathering candy, as his pile built up next to his mom, April Mullett. He had a little help from seven-year-old brother, Dalton Livesay.

Mullett said this was the first year at the event for her two sons and sister-in-law, Carrie Livesay. A new resident in Onward, Mullett said the parade was a fun event to attend.

Don and Donna Taylor took along their three-year-old grandson, Braiden Holley, as well as their infant granddaughter, their son and his fiancé. The Taylors have been attending the event for five years.

What was her favorite part?

“Watching my grandson’s eyes light up at the John Deere tractors,” she said.

Don blamed himself for Holley’s fascination with the green and yellow tractors, since that is his favorite brand as well.

The family also planned on making stops at the car show, the annual fish fry and fireworks show.

Cliff Pendergraft and his wife, Jerrie, sat on the porch of their new home in Walton with close friend Mike Tedlock and his wife, Georgene.

Pendergraft said he enjoyed the parade.

“I thought this was great,” he said.

Denise Massie can be reached at (574) 732-5151 or via e-mail at denise.massie@pharostribune.com