An Independence Day parade which grew from an impromptu ride around town by a group of World War II vets and their wives will return this Sunday when the Liz and Bill Hogan Fourth of July Parade begins at 3 p.m. in front of the Hogan’s former home on Central Street.
The Hogan parade has grown into one of the biggest events of the summer with a growing number of participants and ever increasing crowds that line Oakland to the Bethany Square and then to the park.
Bill Hogan’s restored Army Jeep always has a center position behind the VFW and American Legion color guard as the parade goes past the Allen Park fountain.
Tom McFall, a Vietnam War veteran and president of the Bethany American Legion Post, will be the grand marshal of the parade, sponsored by the Bethany Area Chamber of Commerce.
The First Baptist Church will be serving refreshments in the church’s parking lot before the parade. Pastor Ryan Kunce said a pet parade and hotdog eating contest will be held at the church starting about 2 p.m.
Other events over Fourth of July
Fireworks at the fairgrounds: The city of Bethany will be sponsoring a fireworks show on Saturday night, July 3, at the Northwest Missouri State Fairgrounds. Gladiator Pyro will be setting off displays shortly after dusk.
Ridgeway celebration: The Ridgeway community will be holding its Independence Day celebration Saturday, July 3. A parade will begin at 11 a.m. in downtown. A fireworks show will be held that evening at the schoolgrounds. The Ridgeway Community Betterment Association will be holding a free-will lunch after the parade.
Fireman’s Breakfast: New Hampton will be holding its annual Fourth of July breakfast from 6 a.m. to 10 a.m. at the fire station. The firemen will be holding a gun raffle. The museum will be open through the day.