Hope festivities need contest entrants

Hope will be celebrating Independence Day on Friday and organizers are looking for participants for several contests.

There will be the annual Decorated Bike/Trike/Stroller and Wagon Parade for children younger than 12 , the crowning of Little Miss Sparkler and Mr. Firecracker, a cake walk and an apple pie baking contest.

To enter any of those events you may pick up registration forms at the Yellow Trail Museum, Willow Leaves of Hope, or the Hope branch of the Bartholomew County Public Library.

The Old-Fashioned Independence Day celebration kicks off at 5 p.m. Friday on the Hope Town Square. The evening is capped off by a performance by the Bannister Family Band at about 7:15 p.m. followed by fireworks at dark.