Norwalk parade to honor veterans, community tradition

NORWALK — The Norwalk Lions Club's annual Fourth of July parade will again bring veterans, local organizations, fire departments, festival royalty, youth groups and community members together for one of the city's signature Independence Day traditions. The parade is scheduled to begin at 10:30 a.m. Saturday, July 4, along East Main Street. John Flickinger, a principal at Flickinger Insurance and one of the parade organizers, said this year's event will place special emphasis on veterans and the Huron County Honor Trip program. The Honor Trip program will serve as grand marshal, Flickinger said. The program takes veterans to Washington, D.C., to visit war memorials and other sites honoring their service. Veterans, military vehicles, honor guards and supporting organizations are expected to help lead the parade. Flickinger said raffle proceeds connected to the parade will support the Honor Trip program. He said local veterans organizations, including the VFW and Eagles, have supported the effort. The veterans theme also fits into the patriotic spirit of the holiday, Flickinger said, especially as communities look ahead to America's 250th anniversary celebration. This year's parade is expected to include about 127 units, with more possibly being added before the lineup is finalized. Flickinger said entries include fire departments, marching bands, political candidates, civic organizations, festival royalty, clowns, youth sports teams and other community groups. One expected highlight is Norwalk's historic fire truck, which has been the focus of a recent restoration effort. Flickinger said the truck is expected to appear on a trailer as work continues to restore it physically and mechanically. The parade also comes during a leadership transition for the Lions Club's parade committee. Flickinger said fellow Lions Club members Ron Kelbley and Ryan Winkler are helping take on a shared leadership role for the parade, while longtime organizers, including Flickinger, continue to assist with planning and logistics. Safety remains another focus for organizers. Flickinger said parade participants are being reminded to have fun while also using common sense around children, bicycles and moving vehicles. Organizers are asking participants not to throw items from vehicles. Anyone handing out candy or other items should walk along the parade route and hand them out safely. Water balloons are also not allowed. The Norwalk Lions Club has organized the parade for decades, with Flickinger leading the effort. Flickinger said the event continues to reflect broad community participation. For parade-goers, the message is simple: come early, find a safe spot along the route and be ready for a hometown July tradition built around service, patriotism and community pride. "We want people to have fun, but also to be careful," Flickinger said.