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Fremont Argus
April 3, 2006
FREMONT -
The annual
Fourth of July parade has received a $25,000
donation from Celebrate Fremont, the
all-volunteer group spearheading the city's
yearlong 50th anniversary celebration.
The City of Fremont launched the
Fourth of July parade, now in its
eighth year, but it has become a
volunteer-run event funded by
private donations.
"It's so wonderful to receive the
donation," said parade co-chair
Patty Hitchcock. "They're donating
to something that is exactly what
(the group) is all about."
In addition, home developer Mark
Robson has contributed $15,000 to
support the annual parade, Hitchcock
said.
The parade's theme will be
"Honoring Hometown Heroes," in
recognition of the city's 50th
anniversary. Parade organizers are
seeking nominations for local heroes
— people who have served Fremont or
have made a significant contribution
to the community in some way.
The event's planners have been
contacting celebrities with Fremont
ties, such as baseball Hall of Famer
Dennis Eckersley and ice-skating
star Kristi Yamaguchi, to
participate in the parade. Less
well-known but equally important
citizens, such as the city leaders
who led Fremont's incorporation 50
years ago, also will be honored at
the event, Hitchcock said.
The parade is an inclusive event,
said Irene Koehler, chair of the
Celebrate Fremont steering
committee.
"It's something that can be
enjoyed by people of all
backgrounds," Koehler said.
"Everyone is welcome."
A different Fremont district
hosts the parade each year on a
rotating basis, with the goal of
allowing residents and neighbors to
enjoy the event in different parts
of town. Irvington is hosting the
parade this year, but in the same
spirit of neighborhood cooperation
that allowed Fremont to unite and
incorporate in 1956, Irvington's
float in the parade will be joined
by representatives of the city's
four other original districts.
"All five districts are coming
together this year," said Hitchcock,
also a Celebrate Fremont member.
"That's new for the parade."
Mission San Jose hosted the
parade last year, and Niles will
host the event next year.
For more information about the
parade, visit
http://www.fremont4thofjulyparade.org.
Nominations for Fremont "local
heroes" may be made by contacting Patty
Hitchcock at (510) 226-9323 or sending an
e-mail to
info@fremont4thofjulyparade.org.
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