Walton The annual Independence Day Parade in Delphi will be July 1. There is no registration process for floats and groups to participate, so what comes down Franklin Street in front of the courthouse is a surprise every year, for the crowd and for the organizers as well.

And every year since its inception, which was 13 years ago, county resident Bob Walton has served as the chairperson of the parade committee.

"We've never been rained out yet," he declared.

Walton said he has been trying to retire from the leadership role with the event for the last two years. He said this year is definitely his last year as leader. The Delphi Lions Club will assume the responsibility for the 2007 parade, according to Walton.

Walton said the most memorable year was the first one "seeing all those people out along the streets, w a t c h i n g what we put together." He said that made him know that what he and the others coordinated was worthwhile.

"I've been fortunate to have a good committee," Walton said. "They always make me look good. They do the work, and I get the credit!"

Parade committee member Bob Conner concurs.

Schock "We've done this for so many years now, it kind of takes on a life of its own," he said.

The parade committee depends on support from community groups and organizations to make the event the success that it is. Walton said the committee works in conjunction with the canal a s s o c i a t i o n and most of the manpower on parade day is supplied by the Lions. But most of the questions on the day, and there are many, go to Walton for decisions. He said walkietalkies are loaned to committee personnel by the city of Delphi and Delphi Community School Corporation.

Every year a grand marshal is chosen to lead the parade and preside over the activities in a ceremonial fashion.

"We try to honor prominent people who have been helpful in the community," Walton explained.

Tri-Township Volunteer Fire Department Chief Bill Schock was chosen as the 2006 grand marshal.

Walton and Schock have known each other since about 1960 and their wives even worked together for a while at a local attorney's office.

Schock said he was 'shocked' when the honor was bestowed upon him. He said there are so many deserving people in the community that he was surprised to be selected for this year's event.

"There are a lot of people out there who need to be recognized," he said. "It's an honor and a privilege to be chosen."

Schock said as a fire fighter the reward is "just knowing that you did your job right."

"Bill deserves this," Conner said. "He's very instrumental in building the current fire department in Delphi."

Schock and his wife Judy will be ready to swing into action when the parade begins on Saturday.

"It's been a real fun and rewarding experience to see people come together for the community," Walton concluded.