‘Patriotic Walk Around the Block’ Scheduled for Old Mission

The 14th Annual “Patriotic Walk Around the Block” is happening in the village of Old Mission on the actual 4th of July this year — Saturday, July 4.

Note that it’s not officially a “parade” due to local rules and regulations. Rest assured, though, it’s very parade-like. It’s also a really fun old-fashioned community event, and I promise you’ll love every minute of it.

The line-up begins on Grand Street. If you’d like to walk or drive your vehicle (adorned with patriotic decorations, of course), line up no later than 10:45 a.m.

The “Patriotic Walk Around the Block” will begin at 11 a.m. The route will go by the Old Mission Legion Post 399 (4001 Swaney Road), around the corner to Bay Street (across from Haserot Beach), Woodland Road to Traverse Street, ending back at the Legion Hall.

As the “Walk” ends back at the Legion Hall, there will be a short ceremony, including a pledge and a song, along with cookies and lemonade. Hot dogs and chips will be available inside the Legion Hall – donations are encouraged.

The Grand Marshals this year are my brother and sister-in-law, Dean and Laura Johnson. If you’ve been reading the Gazette for a while, you know that our family has deep roots in the Old Mission community, dating back to the 1800s when our farm was established just north of Mapleton.

Here they are in the parade a few years ago, driving our old 1952 Chevy. As a teenager, I got to drive this truck when we were baling hay on the farm.

There will be people and pets walking, kids on bikes, old trucks and cars, our local deputy and a couple fire trucks! I’ll be there taking pictures, so be sure and join in the patriotic fun on the 4th of July!

For more about the history and traditions of Independence Day, check out this story over at the Farmer’s Almanac.