June 3, 2008

Hamilton Old Fashioned Independence Day Parade and Celebration

(HAMILTON, Ohio)---

Possible contacts for this story:  Pat Moeller – 844-8515 – Entertainment
Mike Neal – 513-377-5520 – Taste of Butler County
Dave Belew – 863-1843 – Michael J. Colligan/Parade
Hamilton Community Foundation

Let Freedom Ring….

On July 4, 2008, bells will ring all over the greater Hamilton area at noon as area folks celebrate Independence Day.  Hamilton’s July 4th Celebration Committee, the Hamilton Community Foundation and the City of Hamilton announce the 2008 theme for the day-long celebration…”Let Freedom Ring….”

Hamilton has been celebrating July 4th with an Old Fashioned Patriotic Parade for almost 49 years!  Over time, many area citizens can say they have marched with their scout troop, ridden their bikes with a local playground, marched with their high school band or just watched the parade go by as they waved a flag.

The 2008 Honorary Grand Marshall will be Hamilton’s Citizen of the Year, Tim Nichting.  Tim and his West Side Little League team went to Williamsport, PA. for the Little League World Series last summer.

The Parade Marshall, Stan Newkirk, is a distinguished World War II Veteran who will be representing all World War II Veterans in the Parade.  All World War II Veterans are invited and encouraged to be participants also.

This years parade will begin at 2:00 p.m. at the Butler County Fairgrounds, proceeding down High Street and turn west on High Street to Front Street, where it will turn south and  disband. 
The parade will feature nine high school bands, Kitch Greenhouse’s Steam Calliope and numerous floats, which will be eligible for monetary prizes as follows:  Grand Prize - $1,000 – First Place - $750 – Second Place - $500 – Third Place - $300 – Fourth, Fifth, Sixth Places - $100 each.

The Hamilton Concert Band will be playing in the Bandshell.  At noon a patriotic ceremony will be held at the Michael J. Colligan Bandshell.  A second patriotic program will be held at 4:00 p.m. to honor Veterans and announce the float winners.

A full day of entertainment is planned starting with the 11:00 a.m. “Taste of Butler County” around the historical Butler County Courthouse, featuring many local restaurants and their specialities:

All Things Catered
Dezaro’s Restaurant
Donato’s Pizza
Easy’s in the Village
Flub’s
Hawaiian Shaved Ice
Mike’s Chili and Gyros
Neal’s Southern Style Grill
Papa Johns Pizza
Richard’s Pizza
Texas Road House
3rd Street Tap & Grill
Wittman’s Novelties

A full day of music and activities are scheduled which will include hometown favorites as the Murstein Line Dancers, the Liberty Singers, and the Jack Carr Band, as well as headliners; the Franz Klaber Band and Mike Albert and the Big “E” Band.

Since 1995, Hamilton’s July 4th Parade has gained regional attention with the support of the Michael J. Colligan Fund at the Hamilton Community Foundation for the parade bands and fireworks.  Mr. Colligan was a retired funeral director who left a legacy of patriotism through the Hamilton Community Foundation.  He hoped to encourage the participation of bands in parades for the enjoyment of the community.

At 9:30 p..m. the 5th Ohio Light Artillery Cannon duel will take place and, as usual, a terrific day will be topped off with the spectacular 10:00 p.m. grand fireworks by Rozzi along the Great Miami River.

"Hamilton has been celebrating July 4th with an Old Fashioned Patriotic Parade for almost 49 years!  Over time, many area citizens can say they have marched with their scout troop, ridden their bikes with a local playground, marched with their high school band or just watched the parade go by as they waved a flag.."