State Rep. Kathy Richardson
Mayor John Ditslear has announced that Noblesville resident and longtime State Representative Kathy Kreag Richardson will serve as the grand marshal for the 2017 Noblesville Fourth of July Parade.
“State Representative Richardson is a familiar face in our parade and our community,” said Noblesville Mayor John Ditslear. “She works tirelessly serving Noblesville residents and to improve the community and state she loves so dearly. She is a wonderful role model for not just young women but all residents, and I am excited to have her serve as grand marshal this year.”
A lifelong resident of Noblesville, Richardson has served District 29 residents in the Indiana House of Representatives since 1992.
“I am honored and excited. Having served on the Firework Festival since its beginning when Mayor Dennis Redick brought fireworks back to Noblesville,” said Richardson. “Celebrating the Fourth of July has always been a special time for me, not only for celebrating America and our independence, but it has been a day of celebrating with family and friends.”
After graduating Noblesville High School and attending Purdue University, Richardson’s career started in 1976 as the deputy clerk of the Hamilton County Clerk’s Office. By 1982 she was elected Hamilton County Clerk and in 1992 she was elected to the House of Representatives. Richardson continues to work in the Clerk’s Office as the election administrator for Hamilton County.
When she is not serving residents in a government role, Richardson serves the community through volunteering. She is a member of the Noblesville Chamber of Commerce; Kiwanis; Association of Clerks of the Circuit Court; Association of Indiana Counties; Hamilton County Fraternal Order of Police; Hamilton County Humane Society; Hamilton County Historical Society; NHS Alumni Association; First Christian Church of Noblesville; Noblesville Riverwalk Committee; and Hamilton County Extension Board.
“Noblesville is a special place, with special people. I love that as we have grown we still have a hometown feeling. We are a community that loves our traditions and values. Noblesville is my home,” Richardson said.
As an elected official, Richardson participates in the city’s parades and can be seen with her dogs, Sofie and Millie.
“I guess you could say ‘I love a parade.’ As a young girl I can remember our baton twirling group marching in the parade or our scout troop participating. When I was elected to the statehouse I wanted to show my support of the community by participating. It has been fun through the years with the different drivers and those that walk with me passing out candy,” she said. “It is fun along the route because I can just about know who is going to be in their special place to watch the parade every year.”
This year’s festivities will take place on Tuesday, July 4 with the theme of “Dreams Come True: Under the Red, White and Blue!” The fun begins 30 minutes earlier this year with the parade starting at 4:30 p.m. followed by the fireworks festival sponsored by IDI Composites from 6 to 10 p.m. At approximately 10 p.m., the annual fireworks display sponsored by Terry Lee Hyundai will begin. The festival is free of charge and will offer activities for kids, teens and adults, music, food vendors and more.
The biggest challenge faced each year is finding enough volunteers to staff the festival and parade. Residents are asked to please consider donating a couple of hours of their time to help make this event a success – and receive a meal voucher. Volunteer shifts are 5:30 to 8 p.m. and 7:30 to 10 p.m. with opportunities to assist in monitoring the kids’ activities and more. Volunteers still have plenty of time to enjoy the festival and fireworks with their family and friends before or after their shift. Some organizations can earn in-kind trade of discounted rates for facility rentals. Organizations volunteering with at least 10 volunteers and reaching 20 hours of service can earn a free four-hour court or shelter rental or Bubble Soccer outing. To volunteer or for more information, contact nhaberlin@noblesville.in.us or call (317) 770-5750.
More information about the upcoming Fourth of July festivities will be announced soon. For more information about sponsoring or donating to the activities, contact Kristi Spehler at 317-776-6350.