On Saturday, July 28, the City of Michigan City hosted its annual Patriotic Parade. Arnett Construction served as the premier sponsor of this year’s parade, which bore the theme of “God Bless Our Troops.” This long-standing Michigan City tradition promotes patriotism and celebrates both the city's rich history and its community.
This year’s installment featured a very special addition, however. Braden Fiske, Michigan City native and defensive tackle for the National Football League’s Los Angeles Rams, served as the parade’s grand marshal and hosted the first annual Braden Fiske Family Fun Day that took place at Ames Field immediately after the parade.
“The Patriotic Parade has always been a favorite among Michigan City families,” Mayor of Michigan City, Angie Nelson Deuitch, said. “I believe that having Braden Fiske coming back as our grand marshal will make it even more impactful. I think it’s beautiful that he wants to give back to Michigan City after completing his first year in the NFL. My administration has sought to put on more free, family-oriented events like this one in the city. Our goal is to get residents out and about because the more they interact with one another, the more pride they’ll have in Michigan City.”
The parade started at 9th Street and proceeded south along Franklin Street before ending at Ames Field, Michigan City High School’s (MCHS) home football stadium. Over 90 organizations participated in this year’s Patriotic Parade, including Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 2536, MCHS Cheerleading, the Michiana Clowns, LaPorte County Meals on Wheels, the Caledonia Kilty Pipe Band, Great Lakers Auto Club, Salvation Army Michigan City, and the Michigan City Police Department Motor Patrol.
Additionally, the parade featured a flyover performed by the Hooligan Flight Club, using five vintage World War II fighter aircraft. This is the second year they have performed for the Patriotic Parade.
Attendees of all ages lined Franklin Street, waving American flags and picking up the candy and toys that were thrown by the parade participants.
Terry Greetham, director of special events for the City of Michigan City, coordinated both the 2025 Patriotic Parade and the Braden Fiske Family Fun Day. As a Michigan City native himself, Greetham fondly remembers how popular the Patriotic Parade, then called the Summer Festival Parade, was in the 1980s and 1990s.
Greetham and his team have worked hard to build the parade to its previous level of popularity in recent years.
“This is a day when everyone can come together,” Greetham said. “It doesn’t matter what side of the aisle you’re on, what you believe, or who you support. It’s a day for our community to thank our military and our first responders for all that they do. It’s a chance for us to enjoy a few hours of happiness and smiles during a time when we really need them. Our goal is to show some civic pride, some patriotism, and show everyone that Michigan City can accomplish anything.”
The Braden Fiske Family Fun Day offered many activities for the attendees to enjoy in and around the Ames Field stadium, which happens to be where Fiske played football as an MCHS student. There was a paper football game activity, football throwing practice stations, and a temporary tattoo booth. MCHS students could get free haircuts and pick up a brand-new backpack and a food voucher. Several food trucks served the attendees with a variety of mouth-watering food.
Attendees could also participate in a raffle where they could win prizes like footballs, game-worn cleats, and an MCHS football helmet that had been autographed by Fiske. They could also win an all-expenses-paid trip to watch the LA Rams’ next football game in September.
Fiske also autographed Arnett Construction-branded mini footballs and other items for adoring fans. Fiske offered some remarks to the assembled crowd, describing how his experience growing up in Michigan City and its school system has shaped him.
“Coming back to Michigan City for this event has been unbelievable,” Fiske said. “It’s a full-circle moment for me. It’s been great to come back, see everybody again, and give back to the community. I think this could be an historic day for Michigan City, and I would like to make an impact. I feel blessed knowing that I can play a role in that. Hopefully, I can put a smile on peoples’ faces and just give the city a good day.” Please visit michigancityin.gov to keep up-to-date on Michigan City’s announcements and upcoming events.
