From the Rocheport Times archives — originally published July 2023 on the old rocheporttimes.com.
The Forth of July Parade in Rocheport is probably similar to many small town parades in America: a firetruck, the mayor leading the parade, friends and family gathered together, candy, ice cream, and hotdogs to share, and lots of smiles. This year the weather was wonderfully hot as this Rocheport tradition took place.
The parade was pretty darn short; we are small town after all. The parade route started downtown on Central Street, went up 3rd Street, came down Pike, turned on 2nd Street, and rolled back around to Central. Rocheport’s mayor, John Zondca, led the procession and blocked traffic on Highway BB to allow for the safe passage of vehicles and participants. The parade included a Boone County fire truck; golf carts decked out in red, white, and blue; Neptune, the town’s Park and Rec watering ATV; a large tractor; a vintage VW Van; and a vintage flatbed Ford truck. Each year the town decides while the parade is en route whether to make it last for a second lap around the town—this year there was a second loop.
Everyone gathered downtown and along the parade route to socialize, organize the lineup, and meet the local Future Farmers of America, Scout’s booths, and Equine club. Additionally, free life vests were given out to veterans.
The best image that captured the spirit of Rocheport on Independence Day was with Lois Connor (Alderperson from Ward 2) surrounded by kids, giving her a hug (see below). If that’s not the embodiment of the spirit of Rocheport, I don’t know what is.
Many thanks and kudos to the people who made it a great morning and another adventure in Rocheport.
