Ritu Maheshwari
FOG does it again! Keeping the winning streak intact, FOG float wins first prize and gold medal this year, during City of Fremont July 4th Parade. This year’s Parade saw the resurgence of Fremont community’s passion, patriotism and unity and was the largest ever.
Festival of Globe (FOG) built a large flatbed based float to represent Indian community in Fremont 4th of July Parade in a prominent manner accompanied by a committed group, beautifully decorated float and live music band performing patriotic numbers. “Meri Desh ki Dharti” was crowd’s favorite song. Several of Indian patriotic songs beautifully morphed to celebrate America’s 250th birthday. This year’s FOG float theme was to celebrate 250th birthday of USA democracy and 80th Independence Day of India. FOG also highlighted its upcoming 34th FOG India Day Parade on August 16th in the same general vicinity of central Fremont. Thousands of people lined up along both sides of a 6-lane, mile long road, to cheer and support. As the float passed through the atmosphere was filled with slogans of “Happy 4th”.
Over hundred FOG volunteers filled the float and made a large walking group in front of the float to sing and cheer the whole mile plus route with “USA” “USA” and Happy birthday USA slogans.
Under Dr. Romesh Japra, (founder and chairman FOG)’s leadership, FOG has emerged as an umbrella organization for over 50 non-profit associations and leads community, cultural and social events all year. Some of key events FOG organizes are FOG India Day Parade, Diwali, Holi, Toy Drive, Republic Day celebration and FOG Idol.
Close to hundred volunteers participated in building the float and putting together the Indian contingent for the Parade. Led by FOG Chair Parade KP Maheshwari, a large number of volunteers conceptualized, designed and built the float in a short period of two weeks. FOG President and event coordinator Rajesh Verma said participation in 4th of July is a big motivator for upcoming FOG India Day Parade on August 16th.
Viewers and judges were highly impressed with the FOG participation and rewarded it with first prize in non-commercial category this year again! As Indian community strives to achieve its American Dream, it made its mark in yet another field by showcasing Indian values and culture on the most important celebration of US!
