Hinckley residents enjoy first-ever Independence Day parade

by Chloe Leng

Hinckley township held its inaugural Independence Day parade on July 4.  

At 9 a.m., the parade commenced from Hinckley town hall, with fire trucks, tractors, bikes, scooters, golf carts and four-wheelers making their way down Center Road. Many vehicles sported Fourth-of-July decorations, such as balloons and the American flag. Participants of the parade threw handfuls of candy to Hinckley residents watching the parade from the sidewalks and lawns lining the street. Representatives from the event’s sponsor, Chick-fil-A, picked up the rear end of the parade.

The parade proceeded to Hinckley Preparatory Academy, where the community gathered behind the school to enjoy food and fun activities. While the adults chatted over hotdogs, burgers and various refreshing drinks, most children played in the bouncy houses.

When asked about their impression of the parade, Hinckley residents Nikki Long, John Kalas, and Natasha Kalas expressed their enjoyment of the morning’s festivities. Long noted how she enjoyed the Independence Day parade because it felt more celebratory, whereas the city’s Memorial Day parade is often more “solemn.”

Natasha Kalas said that she liked how the celebration seemed longer than just the span of the parade because children wanted to decorate their bikes and scooters a couple days in advance.

John Kalas jokingly added that celebrations like the parade are a good way to let the British know that Americans still care about their independence.

Long suggested that the parade remain in the morning in years to come as the weather is cooler and residents can still attend celebrations in the evening with their family and friends. ∞

Natasha Kalas, John Kalas, and Nikki Long celebrate
the holiday. Photos by Chloe Leng.

Photo (main/above): Bikes and vehicles were decked out for the Fourth-of-July parade. Photos by Chloe Leng.