If you were at the Pride in Portage Independence Day Parade on Saturday, July 3, 2010, you were probably at least a little worn out. After all, there were 106 floats or "units" that lasted over two hours with candy being thrown at you, music blaring, and the sun beating (read more about the parade here). You needed somewhere to relax, something to help you unwind from all the day's hilarity and activity. Well, thanks again to Pride in Portage Committee, you had that opportunity at Trumble Field at Willowcreek Middle School to kick back, relax, and listen to some great music with Chicago-based blues rock band, Blue Plate Special. A Portage resident, Martin Goff, explained, "I like to people watch. Watch the fireworks. Listen to the band."
Although there were many people who brought out lawn chairs and blankets to just lounge, talk, and listen to music, there were others who still had energy to toss a ball or frisbee around on the grassy Trumble Field. Tessa Orshonsky, a Portage resident said, "It's really nice, just a really nice family time. We get out, we get a couple balls and just enjoy each other.And, also just enjoy the music and some of the vendors and also just enjoy the fireworks." There were many vendors to choose from ranging from a hot dog stand to simple jewelry to Pepe's Restaurant offering their finest cuisine. There was no lack of variety in any sort of the imagination.
And as the dark approached and the sun faded in the sky, the excitement mounted and more and more people flooded the middle school football field for the evening's show, the fireworks. When asked what she looked forward to most in the activities at Trumble, the instant response from Terry Shuman was, "Fireworks!" Incoming senior at Portage High School, Zach Vaughan, who was jovially tossing a football around with his friends said, "I just enjoy hanging out with friends and watching the fireworks." Later that evening before the fireworks, a contest was held to see what group of people could keep a small beach ball up in the air the longest and Vaughan and his friends won the contest. Speaking of contests, awards were handed out at Trumble Field as well for the best floats during the parade earlier in the day.
Finally, you can't go talking about this night without talking about Blue Plate Special. Although very few people from Portage likely have heard of the soulish blues rock band out of Chicago, anyone who attended the activities at Trumble Field likely left without enjoying and even taking part in their music. Right before the fireworks, a small group of people were rocking out with the band dancing right in front of the stage. BPS's style of music defintely has some blues roots though they don't lack the blatant edginess of your good 'ol rock n' roll as they frequently went into extended instrumental sections. For more information and to hear some of their tunes, click here.
And before everyone knew it, lights shut off at Trumble Field and the fireworks began with kids shouting, "Whoa!" every time there was a particularly loud explosion from the fireworks going off. And not only was Trumble packed, but there were loads of people lined up across Willowcreek Road with their lawn chairs and blankets, fireworks lighting up their face every time one of the small rockets blew up in a large span of colorful lights. A truly magnificent end to a busy, fun-filled day in the great city of Portage, Indiana.
For photos from Trumble's activities and fireworks, click here.
For photos from the parade earlier in the day, click here and here.
For an awesome video of the parade that was earlier in the day, click here.
Additonally, expect a video from the Trumble Field activities at least by Tuesday or Wednesday, July 6-7.