06/22/2023
Mayor Chris Jensen has announced that in celebration of the city’s bicentennial, three familiar faces will lead the 2023 Fourth of July Parade. Former Mayors Mary Sue Rowland, Dennis Redick and John Ditslear, who have a total of 32 years in office, will serve as the grand marshals on July 4.
“Mayors Rowland, Redick and Ditslear had a profound impact on our community. As Noblesville celebrates 200 years, it seemed like the perfect time to honor the previous mayors of our city as grand marshals,” said Jensen. “In 1990, Noblesville had a population of 17,655 residents. Their vision and leadership helped transform Noblesville into the ninth largest city in Indiana and home to hundreds of new businesses and corporate headquarters.”
MARY SUE ROWLAND (1988 – 1995)
Mayor Rowland improved the city park facilities and implemented a new sewage treatment plant. She created the Arts Commission and Shakespeare in the Park, which is the longest running event in Central Indiana. Rowland was responsible for the Logan Street extension from Indiana 19 to River Avenue and restored the former post office into the Public Safety Building. Rowland developed a plan to help the Old Southside Neighborhood recover after flooding and had a fire station built at Herriman Boulevard and Greenfield Avenue. She also led the restoration of downtown and created a community Thanksgiving dinner. Rowland was given a Sagamore of the Wabash by Gov. Evan Bayh and served on the Noblesville Common Council following her time as mayor.
DENNIS R. REDICK (1996 – 2003)
Prior to becoming mayor, Redick served 20 years as a firefighter. He revived the Fourth of July Fireworks Festival. Redick served on the executive committee of the Indiana Association of Cities and Towns. He also created a corporate campus for 146th Street on the city's southeast side. During his tenure, Redick supported additional facilities, equipment, and salaries for public safety.
JOHN DITSLEAR (2004 – 2019)
A veteran of the U.S. Navy, Ditslear moved to Noblesville in 1966 and was an active civic and community leader before becoming mayor. Ditslear led the addition of several quality-of-life initiatives within the city, including Hamilton Town Center and the conservation of green space. The city expanded its trails system and added Dr. James A. Dillon Park, Federal Hill Commons, and purchased 200 acres for Finch Creek Park. Ditslear oversaw the improvement and expansion of roadways throughout the city, including the introduction of roundabout intersections and the construction of 146th Street across Noblesville. Additionally, Ditslear improved the ability for residents to volunteer and has increased community engagement. He currently serves on the Board of Public Works & Safety.
David Moss briefly served in a mayoral role when Noblesville was incorporated as a town in 1851. The first mayor of Noblesville was Edgar C. Wilson in 1887. Since him, 21 other men and two women (Patricia Logan and Rowland) have served as mayors.
The annual Fourth of July Parade through downtown Noblesville kicks off the city’s July 4th festivities at 4 p.m. Participants are encouraged to incorporate the city’s bicentennial theme into their parade entry. Registration to participate in the parade is $25 (501(c)3 nonprofits are not charged) and entries must be submitted by Wednesday, June 28. Forms are available at www.NoblesvilleFireworksFestival.com.
The parade kicks off the city’s Independence Day celebration. The free Fireworks Festival will take place at Forest Park from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m. with The Flying Toasters performing on the main stage. The day will culminate with the annual fireworks show at 10 p.m.
