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Fourth of July brings record heat

Posted: 3:32 PM Jul 4, 2012
Reporter: Gabby Gonzalez

Fourth of July brings record heat

Record temperatures across Michiana did not keep people from celebrating the Fourth of July.

As the sun beats down on North Liberty streets, the John Glenn High School band makes its way down the parade route. A woman walks alongside them pouring water into the mouths of band members as they continue to march to the beat. Those lining the sidewalk also have the same idea – many sit under umbrellas, holding water bottles, all trying to beat the heat.

“We were worried about [my husband’s] mom and dad being in the shade,” Angela Hoops said. “So, we brought the pop-up sun tent and just a cooler full of water.”

Similar tents adorned North Liberty blocks as people sought a bit of relief from the sun’s rays.

“We picked a spot in the shade so that way we weren't in the sun because we have a bunch of kids with us,” “Janette Neiswender said.

On one corner, a blow-up pool complete with a slide becomes a main attraction for many of the children attending the parade.

“It’s been pretty enjoyable with the heat and everything just to keep them cool,” said Jeff Gouker, who bought the inflatable pool for his son. “We can make sure they don't get a little heat stroke or a little sick.”

Those on floats also offer up a way to cool down. Fire departments spray the crowd with a bit of water and teenagers on the back of another float use water guns to soak some onlookers.

“Usually, they have water balloons,” Neiswender said. “It is really fun. Even though I’m wet, I do feel better.”

But, humans are not the only ones coping with record-temperatures.

At the St. Joseph County 4-H fair, the animals are struggling to adapt, too.

“It’s been pretty hot in the hog barn,” said Ben Lenig, a 4-H participant. “Hogs don't sweat at all and they start to pant. Once they start to pant, that is when things go bad.”

So, animal owners have been stepping up their routines to make the animals more comfortable.

“We were in the wash rag six times a day and with the fans going to keep the temperatures down,” Lenig said.