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player ready...The 2015 winter season officially kicked off with the annual Hammond Holiday Parade on the south side of the city — an event that has been around longer than anyone remembers, according to those among the hundreds of attendees.
“I remember it being downtown at one time,” said Hammond native Mary Chipla, 80, of Merrillville. “That area was bustling with activity. It was the place to be — Christmas shopping, meeting friends. I loved living in Hammond.”
Dozens of colorful floats, area high school marching bands and individual organizations entertained the crowd during this year’s 70-minute parade.
The Downtown Hammond Council even brought a live pony that entertained youngsters as he clomped along, and the Christ Lutheran Church of Hammond offered a manger scene.
Situated first in line along the parade route, which began in front of Gavit High School, were Margie and Jose Hernandez Sr. of Hammond.
“My son Jose is marching with the Hammond High School ROTC and we wanted to get a good view,” Margie Hernandez said as she wrapped a blanket around her shoulders. “This is his first time he’s been in a parade and we’re all excited.”
Chicago resident Nate Becker, 12, who is playing the role of Ralphie in the performance of “A Christmas Story” at the Center for Visual and Performing Arts Center in Munster, served as the parade’s grand marshal.
“This (event) is very cool and a lot of fun,” Nate said, as he prepared to mount the float with his assistant elf Brigett Urnshaw. “I’m a little nervous, but not much. I just have to smile and wave.”
Tina Woertel of Hammond came to the event with her children, grandchildren and dog Rocky. The group of 12 stayed near each other so the children scooping up candy thrown from the floats would not separate them.
“Everyone loves this parade,” Woertel said, “even Rocky.”
Tracy Gereg of Hammond remembers her parents bringing her to the parade and how impressed she was. “Now, my daughter Brooklyn is enjoying it, just like I did,” she said, as they watched the colorful floats go by.
As the merriment began at 175th Street and Indianapolis Boulevard, the caravan of brightly decorated cars, vans and trucks (as usual, fire trucks included) and youngsters dancing, twirling and playing various band instruments made their way north to 169th Street east, ending near Purdue University Calumet.
Photos with Santa were offered at the university after the parade ended.
“It doesn’t matter what the temperature is, we come to this every year, rain or shine or snow,” said Larry Martinova of Calumet City, Ill., as his family of 10 packed up their foldable lawn chairs near Purdue Calumet. “I grew up in Hammond and the Christmas parade is one of my best memories. Now, my son and his kids are making their memories too. It’s important to have something like this to look forward to during the holiday season. It’s like the circle of life.”
Sue Ellen Ross is a freelance reporter for the Post-Tribune.