Hartford, WI – For the first time in as long as anyone can remember, Hartford will not be having a 4th of July Parade. For the past many years, the Hartford Jaycees put on this parade under the guidance of Aaron and Rachel Smiley. In 2021, the Jaycees disbanded and the Smiley’s asked The Mill group to allow them to run the event under their umbrella as a not-for-profit organization.
After the recent passing of Aaron Smiley, it was determined by The Mill that they did not have the bandwidth to put on such a large event and they let the city know of this development.
Other local organizations including the Downtown Business Improvement District and Chamber of Commerce were made aware of the change.
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The Chamber already puts on several events including the heavily attended Christmas Parade in November while the local veteran’s organizations host the Memorial Day Parade.
The cancelation of the 4th of July Parade does not change the 4th of July Fireworks at dusk on the July 4, 2023, at Independence Park; this will still be the site for a bigger and better show.
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I would first like to apologize to the city of Hartford. Aaron Smiley and I ran the parade for 9 years by ourselves. With losing him in March, and now being a single mother to 2 girls, I am finding it hard to do the minimum for me and my family. I focusing on getting my girls through their day to day without their dad, while mourning the loss of my best friend. If anyone would like to take an this event I can give you all you would need. I am just not physically or mentally able to do it this year.
Thank you for all you have done in the past to make the 4th of July in memorable event. God bless you and your family and all your future endeavors. Dave
My deepest sympathies to you and your girls. It’s ok to pass the torch. Thank you for the years of work you did that enriched the community.
My condolences to the passing of Aaron.. I coordinate the Village of Butler’s Fourth of July parade and am also a Village Trustee. It would our pleasure to invite Hartford to our Parade in Butler.
God bless you and your girls. Deepest sympathy 🙏