GREENFIELD — For friends Kyle Buckler and Jon Middleton, spending part of Father’s Day Sunday at the Hancock County 4-H Fair parade was a no-brainer.
After all, it’s what their kids love.
“It’s his favorite thing to do so far,” Middleton said of his son, Tucker, 2, as they waved to participants from a white blanket along Apple Street. “He loves the tractors.”
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To say the annual parade is a family affair is an understatement. This year, families — some still dressed in their Sunday best, others dripping from an early afternoon water-gun fight to beat the heat — spent part of their Father’s Day at the community event.
Patrick Hughey of Maxwell brushed his fingers through daughter Ellie’s hair. The 1-year-old stared at all the excitement along Apple Street from her dad’s arms.
The pair was eagerly anticipating when big brother Cooper, 6, would come riding along with Grandpa, Bob Holland, on a Green Township Volunteer Fire Department truck.
“We just come here every year and enjoy watching it,” Hughey said.
From politicians to political hopefuls, nonprofit to for-business participants, as well as the fair queen and her court, the parade included a mix from all corners of the county.
And there was plenty of candy.
Dave Willard of Greenfield helped his three grandchildren grab pieces and occasionally carried back a sucker to the youngest, in a stroller.
His son, Keith Willard of Indianapolis, came to Greenfield for the parade and was enjoying the Father’s Day afternoon with his son Cooper, 5, Gabi, 3, and niece, Samantha Sims, 4.
The father-son duo said enjoying a community parade on Father’s Day was just one factor that made the day special.
“Getting all the family together when we can is what it’s all about,” Keith Willard said.
