Written by Steven Stilt
With the 14th annual Greater Centralia Area Veterans’ Fourth of July Parade just a few weeks away, organizers continue to seek entries for the event.
The parade kicks off at 1 p.m. Thursday, July 4, starting at Broadway and Chestnut Street in Centralia and heading west to Fairview Park. Parade lineup begins at noon.
Jackie “Butch” Mathus of the Centralia Veteran Affairs Committee says he encourages everyone who wants to take part to sign up, even if they just want to walk or ride their bike while holding an American flag.
“The biggest part that I want is for people to come out and support our veterans and show their patriotism … and so I’m asking everybody, please help out. Give me a call if you don’t have an entry form. We’re going to keep some entry forms here at the City of Centralia they can pick up. I’ll have some entry forms at the City of Wamac. But I just want everybody humanly possible to attend.”
Entry forms can be returned to Centralia City Hall or Wamac City Hall, or they can be mailed to: Veterans’ Parade, P.O. Box 410, Centralia IL. Forms can also be found online at the City of Centralia website. Those seeking forms can also call Mathus at 618-322-4238.
Participants are asked to turn in their forms by June 21.
Mathus notes that organizers will give out first and second place awards in the categories of Civic, Family, and Patriotic. Those awards will be given out at Fairview Park following the parade.
Organizers continue to finalize plans for the 14th annual Fourth of July Parade, including the official selection of a grand marshal.
