Portage Celebrates Nation’s 250th Birthday with Grand Parade

An estimated 10,000 people gathered in Portage on Saturday to celebrate the nation’s 250th birthday. The city hosted a large parade that drew attendees from as far as Whiting.

Patriotic Spirit

Mayor Austin Bonta highlighted Portage as one of the most patriotic cities in Northwest Indiana. He expressed a desire for future generations to honor the goals on which the country was founded. These include rights believed to be granted by a higher power, not by the government. Bonta’s family history of immigration from Poland and Italy underscored his belief in America’s greatness stemming from its diverse heritage.

Angelica Harnisch, a Portage resident, shared her pride in her father’s journey from Michoacán, Mexico, to becoming a U.S. citizen. Her husband, Karl Harnisch, marked the semiquincentennial as a unique Fourth of July celebration. He described it as possibly the largest he had witnessed.

A Community Celebration

Janice and Don Newcomb reminisced about Portage’s evolution since the bicentennial in 1776. They planned to continue their celebrations with a family cookout and fireworks.

Joni Maxwell, riding the Samuelson Insurance float with her son, the parade’s grand marshal, honored both the nation’s milestone and the agency’s centennial. John Keyl, Gulf War veteran and commander of American Legion Post 26, remarked on the extensive efforts to honor the country’s birthday.

Parade Highlights

Portage resident Joe Gzromek tossed candy to children, reminiscing about his own childhood experiences. Mike Pollak joined the parade with two Great Danes, noting the event’s lively atmosphere. Even pets, like Wiggles the Chihuahua, participated by riding in a miniature car controlled by Althea Huckabay.

Kate Scholobohm promoted Hagrid’s Hope, a local cat rescue. Volunteers in themed costumes distributed snacks, emphasizing the rescue’s community impact.

A Historical Perspective

Derek Bood, dressed as Uncle Sam, celebrated the city’s history as early settlers in Portage. David Barcelli, also in Uncle Sam attire, found solace in the community gathering amidst the country’s challenges.

Baptist minister and councilman Bob Parnell reflected on the blessings articulated in the Declaration of Independence. Lenny Corso, a local professor, appreciated the parade’s enduring traditions, despite acknowledging political vulnerabilities.

Porter County Clerk Jessica Bailey emphasized the holiday as a unifying moment. Valparaiso Councilman Robert Cotton viewed the celebration as a reflection of national sentiment, with many Americans critical of President Donald Trump’s administration.

Overall, the event in Portage was a vibrant and multifaceted celebration, marking a significant milestone in American history.