Fort Wayne is heading into the Fourth of July holiday with two fresh reasons to celebrate its history and its neighborhoods. The city’s beloved Old Fort — a landmark that brings frontier-era Fort Wayne to life for residents and visitors alike — has completed a restoration project, with work wrapping up just ahead of the holiday weekend, according to WPTA 21Alive.

The timing couldn’t be better. With the annual Fourth of July parade marching through downtown and families gathering across the city, the newly restored Old Fort is ready to welcome guests looking to connect with the community’s deep roots.

Meanwhile, across town in the East Central neighborhood, Mayor Sharon Tucker unveiled a brand-new mural, according to the City of Fort Wayne’s official website. The public artwork adds a splash of color and community pride to the area, continuing Fort Wayne’s ongoing investment in neighborhood beautification.

Together, the two milestones reflect a city that takes care of what it has — honoring its past through preservation and brightening its present through public art. Whether you’re catching the parade downtown or exploring the East Central neighborhood, this Fourth of July offers plenty of Fort Wayne pride to go around.

Sources: WPTA | 21Alive | Fort Wayne, IN, Fort Wayne website (.gov)