Fort Wayne Revives 50-Year Parade After Festival Ends

After more than half a century of summer parades brought families together in Fort Wayne, the tradition came to an abrupt halt last year when the Three Rivers Festival Board cancelled the event. Now the city is bringing it back with help from the very people who made it magical for generations.

Mayor Sharon Tucker heard residents loud and clear when they asked how to revive the parade that once drew crowds downtown as the second largest in Indiana. "We have heard from many residents saying, what can we do? How can we bring it back? And there really is a void," Tucker said.

The city tapped Jack Hammer, former Three Rivers Festival Director, to lead the planning effort. His family has called Fort Wayne home since the 1860s, and he jumped at the chance to serve his community again.

Joining him is Bridget Kelly, a longtime volunteer who wrote the television broadcast script for years. She remembers the pure joy of watching all that preparation pay off when the parade rolled down the street and families lined up to cheer.

The parade will march down South Calhoun Street on the Fourth of July with the theme "Celebrate America 250 Years United." Steel Dynamics is presenting alongside the city, with additional support from Fort Wayne Metals and Surack Enterprises.

Why This Inspires

For Hammer, the magic was always in the details. "When I would go down that parade route, and I would see those kids waving, having a good time, running around, that meant the world to me," he said.

Kelly echoed that sentiment, recalling how watching crowds gather made every hour of work worthwhile. The parade wasn't just an event but a way to bring an entire city together in celebration.

The team has just under 80 days to organize everything, but their experience and passion are driving forces. The city will cover overtime costs for workers this year, though future funding remains uncertain and may involve creating a nonprofit organization.

Tucker emphasized the importance of marking America's 250th anniversary together. "I did not want this moment to pass by without the city doing something as a collective whole to bring our community together," she said.

The city is now seeking parade participants and volunteers who want to help restore this cherished tradition.