Hadley Township-The rain came, but didn’t dampen the mood for the annual Hadley Fourth of July festival.
More than 200 people gathered along Hadley and Pratt Road for a parade, good food, eager vendors and live entertainment. The parade was a success, but was immediately followed by hard rains that sent people running to the nearest shelter for more than an hour.
Hadley is known for their Fourth of July parade, that, at times, may mistake passerby’s for an antique car and tractor convention.
Those who know him were pleased to see Pvt. Vance McLean, a Hadley resident who, in June, 2001 joined the 82nd Airborne Division of the 117th Calvary. He was sent home after parachuting suffering a broken leg. He recovered, and was sent back to base a couple of hours after the parade.
‘It was so good to have him home. He has to leave at 2:30 p.m. today, and it’s going to be hard to say bye again,? said Vance Mclean Sr.
The Hadley Lion’s Club cooked up hot dogs and sloppy joe’s while tractors, antique cars and floats showcased their riders.
After the rain cleared, and people finally came out of the town hall and church, the festivities began once again for the celebration.