The Hammond City Board of Public Works and Safety on June 12 approved a series of street‑closure requests for summer parades, block parties and a Juneteenth event.

Requests approved included the HUGS Mexican Independence Parade on Sept. 13, Fourth of July parades and several neighborhood block parties scheduled in late June and early July. The approvals were made subject to the Hammond Police Department's final approval when required.

Ursula White, speaking on behalf of the Hammond Public Library and Director Cornelia White, described the library's Juneteenth program on June 14 as a family event themed "boots on the ground" to celebrate Black cowboys. "We found a black, horse ranch ... they wanted to bring the kids and educate them about agriculture," White said, adding the library planned two horses for pictures and petting.

Board members asked about jurisdictional control where the library requested closure on State Street; officials noted the street is state‑controlled and that the closure should not interfere with traffic because the event is on a Saturday. Several block party requests were approved with the condition that activities end by 10 p.m.

All motions to approve the event street closures passed by voice vote.