July 4th in Hiram

Hiram embraces Independence Day with community-wide activities that serve as the cornerstone event of the summer. This year was no exception with the July 3 evening gathering near the Hiram College athletic field for a concert, food vendors, and balloon artist. Sales were brisk at the commemorative Hiram July 4th t-shirt concession. The event culminated with a welcome from Mayor Anne Haynam, the national anthem sung by Lorena Vines, and the fireworks show to close the evening. July 4 began with the annual softball game where the youthful team completes against the more mature players (the youth won this year). The bike rodeo, cookout, and Hiram Historical bake sale followed over at the Hiram Christian Church parking lot. This was followed the by the parade which featured recently retired police chief Brian Gregory as Grand Marshall and followed by fire trucks and a small army of kids on decorated bikes. Kids activities filled the early afternoon, followed by the Hiram Community band concert under the direction of Issac Winland. The Village was filled with the sounds of the Garretttones in the evening as people danced on the Oliver Plaza during the ice cream social.

Written and photographed by Dave Dreimiller. Please follow my photography on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61571786786477