Parade unit confirmation letters along with line up numbers and map were mailed out by the La Porte Jaycees.

The line up is available by clicking on the link below and can also be found under the Resources and Forms section along with the Line Up Map.

In the event you did not receive your line up information please see below or click on the documents shown under the Resources and Forms section.

There will be Starters (these are the people in the black and white striped referee shirts) along the line up route to answer any questions you may have after lining up your entry.

Dignitaries are to gather at Wells Fargo Bank parking lot, located on the corner of Detroit and State Street, by 9:00am, to be assigned to their car. Dignitaries may want to arrange to be picked up at the end of the route.

Floats being judged are to line up by 8:00am with float personnel riding in place by 8:30am for judging. All other units are to line up by 9:00am, as indicated on the map.

ATTENTION ALL VOLUNTEER FIRE DEPARTMENTS: Due to past crowd requests, we are asking that sirens be used in moderation and water spraying will not be allowed. All Fire trucks are to drive two wide down the parade route.

Please be aware that over half of this year’s entries have requested to be at the beginning of the line up. We have made every effort to satisfy these requests; however, not all requests were honored. Emergency vehicles and entries with other parade commitments were given first consideration.

If you have any questions on the line up, parade rules, or if your plans have changed and you are unable to participate; please contact Sarah Poe, 2009 4th of July Parade Chairperson, at 219-851-3369 at once so she can adjust our lineup.


The La Porte Jaycees wish everyone a Happy and Safe 4th of July!

2009 4th of July Parade Line Up

The 122nd Fighter Wing is scheduled for this year's Flyover, barring any weather or military issues that might prevent them from participating. Below is the information on their unit that was provided to the La Porte Jaycees:

Duty Status Guardsmen – 1072 (includes full-time employees) Full Time
Employees – 357
Federal – 211
Active Guard Reserve – 97
State – 49

Mission Statement: In a national emergency, the 122FW may be ordered to active duty by the President of the United States. The primary federal mission of the 122FW is to achieve and maintain the level of operational readiness that will provide trained and equipped combat-ready tactical units, capable of global deployment, ready for immediate integration into the active Air Force to assure air offense, air defense, or joint action with ground forces. The 122FW is available on orders from the Governor of Indiana to assist local authorities in the event of a disaster, disturbance or other emergency. The units of the 122FW are capable of supporting rescue and relief operations, aiding in recovery from natural disaster, along with protecting the citizens of Indiana and their property.

History: The 122d Fighter Wing has served the Fort Wayne community since 1946, when it was assigned to the Indiana Air National Guard, and established at Baer Field, adjacent to the Fort Wayne International Airport. The base continues to operate from this location today.

Recruiting: The 122d is currently manned at 102% strength. As a part of the benefit of joining the Indiana Air National Guard, members are eligible for the Indiana Supplemental Grant, which provides a stipend and paid tuition for college students.

Land Use: The 122d Fighter Wing currently occupies 166.15 acres of land that is leased through 30 June 2035. All but a small portion of this is leased through the Fort Wayne Airport Authority. In addition, the 122d has an Airport Joint Use Agreement for the use of all runways and taxiways for a nominal annual fee. The Joint Use Agreement allows the 122d Fighter Wing to complete flying operations for a fraction of the cost of other fighter units.

F-16C+ Fighting Falcon (Viper): The 122d Fighter Wing currently maintains 17 F-16C+ jets. These jets are outfitted with the latest in fighter technology, which enables the pilots to communicate with troops on the ground and have their positions loaded into a multi-function display. This enables pilots to see the friendly forces on the ground. Active duty F-16s are not equipped with this technology. The 122d was the flagship unit for the night vision goggles, enabling the unit to be fully mission capable at night. The F-16 is a single engine, multi-mission tactical aircraft. It can be equipped with air-to-air missiles and a large variety of missiles or bombs. From the very beginning, the F-16 was intended to be a cost-effective "workhorse," that could perform various kinds of missions and maintain around-the-clock readiness. It is much simpler and lighter than its predecessors, but uses advanced aerodynamics and avionics (including the first use of fly-by-wire, earning it the nickname of "the electric jet") to maintain good performance.

Recipient of the Air Force Outstanding Unit Award 1976, 1990, 2003 and 2007

Mike Hoffman has been NewsCenter 16's Chief Meteorologist since returning to Michiana in 1994. He has spent most of his life in Indiana and Michigan, so he is very used to watching weather around the area.

Mike has always loved the weather ever since he can remember. His mom still tells the story of how he would pull the rocking horse up to the front door when he was 2 or 3 years old just to watch the snow fall. On the night of April 3rd, 1974, Mike spent much of the time listening to a transistor radio of the tremendous tornado damage of the “Super Outbreak”. It was a day he’ll never forget, and the reason he is so passionate about warning others of severe weather.

Hoffman graduated as Valedictorian of his Delphi Community High School class in 1977, and then earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Atmospheric Sciences from Purdue University in 1981. After graduation, he moved away from the area for three years of great experience, working for Accu-Weather, Inc. in State College, PA. However, he wanted to try television and get back to the Midwest, and the perfect opportunity came up. Mike took his first television job right here in Michiana at WSJV, now the Fox affiliate, in 1984. Following that, he was a Meteorologist for WTHR-TV in Indianapolis for three years, and Chief Meteorologist for WNEM-TV in Saginaw, MI for six years. He is privileged to have worked for two different mentors and “heroes” of his, Bob Gregory in Indianapolis, and Dick Addis here at WNDU. “Not many people are that lucky” Mike likes to say.

Besides doing the weekday evening weathercasts here at WNDU, Hoffman also tapes the weather segments for AgDay and US Farm Report, which are shown on over 160 stations across the country. His weather reports have the American Meteorological Society Seal of Approval.

Mike's outside activities and hobbies include speaking to community organizations and school groups. He and his family are active members of the United Methodist Church. He is also an avid sports enthusiast and enjoys playing volleyball and basketball, as well as throwing the football or shooting baskets at home with his son and daughter.

Mike and Cindy Hoffman have two children: Kara and Christopher. They love to take camping trips around Indiana and Michigan and traveling to visit friends and family. The entire family loves to visit amusement parks and ride roller coasters, including the best that Cedar Point has to offer! But their favorite vacations are extended road trips to visit different parts of our country. They have traveled to all but a handful of the lower 48 states, with some fantastic memories from all over.

LaCrosse softball started in 1994 with a 0-14 record. They have never had a winning season until this year. The Lady Tigers this year had the first winning season (15-13) and the first Sectional Title for LaCrosse High School.

Front Row: Meagan Elliott, Shaina Gottschling, Courtney Delecki, Lauren Turner, Katie Bailey (standing), Coach David Amor and his grandson.

Back Row: Coach Mike Hucker, Allison Tucker, Tara Sibo, Amy Hucker, Brittany Turner, Brittany Moore, Alicia Greenboam, Ashley Weinkauff, Sara Palmer, and Coach Tracy Bucher.

Kyrie Anderson, Hoosier Star adult division winner, has been named Honorary Parade Marshal by the La Porte Jaycees. She will also sing the National Anthem before the fireworks at the La Porte County Fairgrounds.

Kyrie, who performed the song "The Wizard and I" from the musical "Wicked to win the adult division, was one of the finalists selected from more than 140 contestants who auditioned for the Hoosier Star event. The event sponsored by the La Porte Symphony was held at the Civic Auditorium. The La Porte Symphony Orchestra performed along with each contestant as they performed.

Don’t forget to take a chance on this year’s Give A Way Raffle! Tickets are 1 ticket for $1.00 or 7 tickets for $5.00 and are currently available from La Porte Jaycee members, along the parade route, or before the Fireworks Show. This year’s prizes are: Grand Prize: 50/50; 1st Place Gas Grill and Accessories Valued at $300.00 donated by Schmitt and Kaylor CPA; 2nd Prize $250 Gift Certificate to AJ Schmitt Jewelers donated by AJ Schmitt Jewelers; 3rd Prize 3 Month Family Membership to the La Porte YMCA valued at $225 donated by The La Porte YMCA. The drawing will be held at the Fireworks Show on July 4th. Winner need not be present to win. Winners will be contacted on July 5th.

This year's 5K Run, held before the La Porte Jaycees Parade, is being sponsored by Duneland Running Club.

Contact John Ryder at 219-362-5984 or 219-575-4321 with any questions you may have.

This year's Fireworks Show is once again co-sponsored by the La Porte Savings Bank and will begin at dusk at the La Porte County Fairgrounds. Grab your chairs and blankets and head out early to enjoy the food booths, Army Reserves Display, and entertainment before the fireworks show begins.

Gates open at 6:00pm and a donation of $1.00 per person to walk in or $5.00 per carload to drive in will be collected at the gate.

Don’t forget to get your Glow Necklaces at the Fireworks Show! La Porte Jaycees will be selling them prior to the start of the show. Get yours before they are all gone!

The Jaycee Beer Barns are always fun so plan to come out to the La Porte County Fairgrounds on June 26th, June 27th, and July 3rd for great music, food and beverage, and tons of fun. Doors will open at 7:00pm and the bands will play from 8:00pm to midnight each night.

Bands scheduled include: Dr. Groovy & The Soul Surgeons on June 26th ($5.00 cover charge), Middle of the Road on June 27th ($5.00 cover charge), and The Current on July 3rd ($7.00 cover charge). ALL IDs will be check so you must be 21 with a valid ID with you to enter. No carry-ins allowed and a designated driver program will be available for those interested. Brats, hot dogs, and chips will also be available for purchase.

1st Annual Cornhole Tournament will be held on June 27th. Registration begins at 3:00pm and the tournament will start at 4:00pm. There is an entry fee of $25.00 per team and team players who are 21 and older will received free admission to Jaycee’s Beer Barns that evening. Monetary Prizes for 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place teams will be awarded. See the tournament flyer under the Resources and Forms section of our website.

2009 Cornhole Tournament Application