Fourth of July parade returning this year

NORWALK — The annual Norwalk Lions Club Fourth of July Parade is returning this year. Lions Club member and parade organizer John Flickinger said he's not sure how the parade will look in 2021, but there will be people back in the streets to celebrate the holiday. Because the fourth is on a Sunday, this year's parade will be held Monday, July 5 — the national holiday. "I have been in contact with the city and it's affirmative from their position ... we're going to have a parade but I don't know what the guidelines will be," said Flickinger, who added he has not spoken yet to Huron County Public Health Director Tim Hollinger. "The city is the authority and they gave us a permit," Flickinger said. "All of the aspects of the parade still have to be worked out." Flickinger said it's hard to prepare too much because he's working with a moving target. "Look at the news this morning and the Texas (baseball) ballpark was sold out," he said. "As far as all of the particulars ... we have to see how this will come together. It is a real parade by committee. I am seeing green lights the whole way." Right now Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine has given the green light for parades, but everybody must wear a mask. "I know the numbers are high right now," Flickinger said about the pandemic. "It's just one of those things people get fired up on both sides ... I am fired up about the parade." Flickinger said Sunday is church day so there was no question about moving the parade to Monday. "We never have it on the fourth if it is on a Sunday," he said. "We use the St. Paul parking lot to get organized and we usually have a half-dozen church floats ... and everybody will be in church."