Hope's 'Old Fashioned Independence Day' is June 26

HOPE, Ind. - The annual Hope "Old Fashioned Independence Day" celebration is Friday, June 26, from 5:30 to 10 p.m., on the Hope Town Square.

Some of the activities include a bike parade, kid-friendly contests, games, music, crafts, fireworks, face painting, pony rides, and the annual Little Miss and Mr. Firecracker contest.

New in 2026 is a golf cart parade at 6:45 p.m. Decorate your golf cart for America's 250th birthday and line up for the parade at the First Baptist Church parking lot at 6:15.

Children, ages 3 to 10, may enter the Little Miss and Mr. Firecracker contest, with winners determined by the child collecting the most penny votes. Get registration forms at The Yellow Trail Museum, Willow Leaves, or the Hope branch library. All money must be turned in by noon on Wednesday, June 24. 

The Kids' Parade of Decorated Bikes, Tricycles, Strollers, Wagons, etc., is open to all children under 12 years of age. Participants are encouraged to wear red, white, and blue clothing for the 6:30 p.m. event.

Fireworks will culminate Hope's "Old Fashioned Independence Day" at 10 p.m.