Bill Tobias, center, was the grand marshal for the Nappanee Independence Day parade Friday, July 4. Photo by Nathan Pace.

By Nathan Pace
InkFreeNews

The Nappanee Independence Day Parade honored local veterans Friday, July 4.

Bill Tobias served as grand marshal for the parade as he served in the Vietnam War with the Air Force. Tobias held the rank of a staff sergeant and was a gunner on an AC-119K Stinger.

The parade began at 11 a.m. traveling west on Centennial Street from Nappanee Elementary School. The parade finished up in downtown Nappanee.

Wakarusa Maple Syrup Festival Queen Georgia Beer was in the parade with Maple Syrup Festival Sweethart Karma Crawford.

Later that night, Nappanee’s fireworks show started at 10:15 p.m. at McCormick Creek Golf Course.

Wakarusa Maple Syrup Festival Queen Georgia Beer, right, was in the parade with Maple Syrup Festival Sweethart Karma Crawford. Photo by Nathan Pace.