Valpo Parks and the City of Valparaiso capped off a beautiful Independence Day in the Vale of Paradise with the annual Fourth of July Blast. Residents and visitors from all over Northwest Indiana gathered at Thomas Jefferson Middle School in what was truly a celebration of a tight-knit community working together for Valparaiso.
“The City of Valparaiso and Valpo Parks are once again privileged to be leading partners in presenting our community with this Fourth of July celebration,” John Seibert, Parks Director for Valpo Parks told IIMM.
The evening kicked off with a Dick Diamond and Dusters performance that rocked the crowd, followed with a reading of the Declaration of Independence from community members in Valparaiso, a true reminder of what the day was all about, and as Seibert adds, a true reminder that it takes an entire community to run the Fourth of July Blast.
Click here to see all the photos from the 2015 Valpo Blast!
“As in all great things that happen in Valpo, it takes a combination of dedicated staff, exceptional partners, and extraordinary volunteers to make an evening like this happen.”
Volunteers like, Nikki Fieser.
“My boss asked me if I wanted to help out tonight and I thought it would be great to get involved and help out at a large community event like this.” Fieser said. “Plus, a free fireworks show is always awesome.”
After announcements from Valpo Parks, guests mingled amongst friends while vendors sold refreshments while music from Dick Diamond and the Dusters serenaded the scene. Attendees were delighted that the Fourth of July Blast melded so smoothly into the evening, leading up to a fireworks celebration that everyone was waiting for.
“I just moved here from Illinois and fireworks aren’t as big there as they are here,” said new resident to Valparaiso and attendee, Jessica Zelhart. “I really love all the community events this city has, and how every weekend there is something for me to do. It really makes me feel like I am a part of this community.
And while the fireworks capped off a beautiful evening in Valparaiso, providing entertainment for the hundreds in attendance, the theme of community, America, and remembering what this day is all about was never lost on anyone.
“Thanks on this day especially to all those men, women and families that have sacrificed and continue to sacrifice to protect our freedom and make celebrations like this possible,” added Seibert.
The Fourth of July Blast was yet another historic day in a string of major announcements for Valpo Parks, including a large-scale renovation of Tower Park. For more information on Valpo Parks, visit Valpo Parks’ official website.
