Topeka hosts July 4 events, parade

Jul. 4—TOPEKA — Like many communities across Michiana and the nation, downtown Topeka was host to Independence Day activities Thursday.

The morning featured a pancake & sausage breakfast at the Topeka Fire Station, a Road Race & Fun Walk at East Park Pavilion, kids games and other activities at East Park. The celebration continued in the afternoon, with Mousetrap Theatre at East Park Pavilion and a watermelon eating contest, near East Park Pavilion, culminating with a parade at 5:30 p.m.

"We're free to be here," said Larry Schlabach, Topeka, on what the July 4 holiday means to him.

According to History.com , the Fourth of July — also known as Independence Day or July 4th — has been a federal holiday in the United States since 1941, but the tradition of Independence Day celebrations goes back to the 18th century and the American Revolution.

"On July 2nd, 1776, the Continental Congress voted in favor of independence, and two days later delegates from the 13 colonies adopted the Declaration of Independence, a historic document drafted by Thomas Jefferson," the website added.

Deputy Carl Miller of the Topeka Police Department said that as of early afternoon no problems or issues had been reported at any of the activities.

"It's been going smooth so far," Miller said.