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UPDATE JUNE 29: “On behalf of the LaPorte Jaycees, I am proud to announce that we have a confirmed military flyover for the 4th of July! There will be two A-10 Warthogs flying over at approximately 10 a.m. Get there early so you don’t miss it!” (Information from Libby Snyder Wilson, LaPorte Jaycees 4th of July Flyover chairman) Also, Jaycee Joy Zigler added that aircraft replicas will also fly over the parade route, piloted by local residents Stewart Glenn and John Landwerlen of LP Aviation Services. More photos and information coming soon!
According to www.airforce-technology.com, “The A-10 Thunderbolt is also known as the Warthog, the ‘flying gun’ and the Tankbuster. The aircraft was used extensively during Operation Desert Storm, in support of Nato operations in response to the Kosovo crisis, in Operation Enduring Freedom in Afghanistan and in Operation Iraqi Freedom. The A-10 is a high-survivability and versatile aircraft, popular with pilots for the ‘get home’ effectiveness. The mission of the aircraft is ground attack against tanks, armored vehicles and installations, and close air support of ground forces. The A-10 is suitable for operation from forward air bases, with short take-off and landing capability.”
Here are more July 4 event details from the Jaycees:
— Thursday and Friday, July 2 and 3: Beer Barns. Come to the Pioneer Land area at the LaPorte County Fairgrounds to enjoy live entertainment and refreshments. Gates open at 6 p.m. and bands will play from 7 to 11 p.m. Middle of the Road Band will perform Thursday, July 2. The Sushi Roll Band will perform Friday, July 3. Suggested donation to enter is $5. You must be 21 or older and have a valid photo ID. Please drink responsibly.
— Saturday, July 4: Kiwanis Club of LaPorte’s 2015 Run for Riley. Race-day registration will begin at 7 a.m. in Aldi’s parking lot at West Ind. 2/Andrew Avenue, with the race beginning at 9 a.m. The simple out-and-back course takes runners on historic Lincolnway. Registration is $20 if you sign up prior to June 20 or $25 if you sign up later. Visit www.laportejaycees.org to register.
— Saturday, July 4: 69th annual LaPorte Jaycees Fourth of July Parade. No explanation needed; this historic event will kick off at 10 a.m., heading east to west on Lincolnway, rain or shine. This is one of the largest parades in Indiana and each year earns LaPorte the title of Capital for a Day.
— Saturday, July 4 (new for 2015): Concert at the Fairgrounds. Sponsored by Bethany Lutheran Church, this concert will feature The Henningsens. The concert will begin at 4 p.m. (opening acts at 3:30 p.m.); open seating is $10 per ticket. Tickets include free early seating for the fireworks. Don’t miss this great band, famous for their writing skills on their own hit song, “American Beautiful,” and hits such as “You Lie” and “All Your Life” for The Band Perry. Proceeds benefit local drug and suicide prevention efforts of Frontline Foundation, the LaPorte County Sheriff K9 Program and LaPorte City Police/Schools DARE Program. Proceeds also assist in funding the fireworks.
— Saturday, July 4: fireworks show. The annual show, this year presented by ACE Pyrotechnics, will begin at dusk at the fairgrounds. If you plan to watch there, the cost is $5 per carload; that includes parking and general yard seating. Otherwise choose your spot in nearby areas. At the fairgrounds, activities for kids, concessions and a beer garden will be available for an additional fee.
— Jeep Wrangler raffle: The Jaycees and Bethany Church are partnering again to sell raffle tickets to benefit the fireworks show, LaPorte Police, LaPorte County Sheriff’s Office and Frontline Foundations. Main prize is a 2015 Jeep Wrangler Sport. Tickets are $20 each; sales are limited to 3,000. Contact the Jaycees or Bethany to buy tickets, or buy them at the 4th activities.