By Sadie Hunter
Another set of Fourth of July festivities will grace the streets of downtown Noblesville and the Noblesville High School campus this year.
With the theme of “Dreams Come True: Under the Red, White and Blue!,” area residents can expect some changes to the usual lineup of events.
The parade, which will begin at Harrison and 16th Streets making a clockwise loop down 16th, Logan, Ninth and Monument Streets and ending at Monument and 16th Streets, will begin at 4:30 p.m., 30 minutes earlier than years prior. Each year, the parade features displays from dozens of area organizations, politicians, churches, music groups and more.
Immediately following the parade, the city will kick off the Fireworks Festival, a free event, beginning at 6 p.m. at Noblesville High School, 18111 Cumberland Rd. The festival will offer activities, music, food vendors and more for people of all ages.
At approximately 10 p.m., the fireworks display will begin. Guests should bring their own seating or blankets.
VOLUNTEERING
City of Noblesville officials have said the biggest challenge each year when putting on the Fireworks Festival is finding enough volunteers.
Volunteers can sign up to help with both the parade and festival. All volunteers receive a meal voucher. Volunteer shifts are 5:30 to 7 p.m. and 7:30 to 10 p.m.
“Volunteers still have plenty of time to enjoy the festival and fireworks with their family and friends before or after their shift,” a statement from the city said. “Some organizations can earn in-kind trade of discounted rates for facility rentals. Organizations volunteering with at least 10 volunteers and reaching 20 hours of service can earn a free, four-hour court or shelter rental or Bubble Soccer outing.”
To volunteer, or for more information, contact [email protected], or call 317-770-5750.
MEET THE GRAND MARSHAL: KATHY RICHARDSON
The City of Noblesville announced June 19 that State Rep. Kathy Richardson (R-Noblesville) will be the grand marshal of the annual Noblesville Fourth of July Parade.
“State Representative Richardson is a familiar face in our parade and our community,” Noblesville Mayor John Ditslear said. “She works tirelessly serving Noblesville residents and to improve the community and state she loves so dearly. She is a wonderful role model for not just young women but all residents, and I am excited to have her serve as grand marshal this year.”
A lifelong Noblesville resident, Richardson has served District 29 residents in the Indiana House of Representatives since 1992.
“I am honored and excited, having served on the Firework Festival since its beginning when Mayor Dennis Redick brought fireworks back to Noblesville,” Richardson said. “Celebrating the Fourth of July has always been a special time for me, not only for celebrating America and our independence, but it has been a day of celebrating with family and friends.”
After graduating from Noblesville High School and attending Purdue University, Richardson’s career began in 1976 as the deputy clerk of the Hamilton County Clerk’s Office. By 1982, she was elected Hamilton County clerk, and in 1992 she was elected to the Indiana House. Richardson continues to work in the clerk’s office as the election administrator for Hamilton County.
When she is not serving residents in a government role, Richardson serves the community through volunteering. She is a member of the Noblesville Chamber of Commerce; Kiwanis; Association of Clerks of the Circuit Court; Association of Indiana Counties; Hamilton County Fraternal Order of Police; Hamilton County Humane Society; Hamilton County Historical Society; NHS Alumni Association; First Christian Church of Noblesville; Noblesville Riverwalk Committee; and Hamilton County Extension Board.
“Noblesville is a special place with special people. I love that as we have grown we still have a hometown feeling. We are a community that loves our traditions and values. Noblesville is my home,” Richardson said.
As an elected official, Richardson participates in the city’s parades and can be seen with her dogs, Sofie and Millie.
“I guess you could say I love a parade. As a young girl, I can remember our baton-twirling group marching in the parade or our Scout troop participating. When I was elected to the statehouse, I wanted to show my support of the community by participating. It has been fun through the years with the different drivers and those that walk with me passing out candy,” she said. “It is fun along the route because I can just about know who is going to be in their special place to watch the parade every year.”
