A long-time educator and volunteer in multiple activities and organizations has been named the Grand Marshall of this year’s Centralia Halloween Parade.
Parade Chair Butch Mathus says the committee likes to honor those who have done so much for the community and Patty Williams definitely fits the description.
“Patty was chosen by the committee for her outstanding work in the community. She has dedicated her life with the American Red Cross helping those in need. She gets involved with Balloon Fest. She helps St Mary’s school and with all the things she does we thought she would be a perfect choice as Grand Marshall for the 95th annual Halloween Parade.”
Williams was born and raised in Centralia and says her heart is in Centralia as she has become attached through participation in many organizations.
“I’m all about tradition and I think the people of Centralia who put on the parade, I applaud them for the work they do. Butch Mathus has done a great job keeping things together. If you look at the street from early morning to late at night they are lined with people’s chairs. I mean where else will you get something like that…Centralia, Illinois.”
Williams taught in the Centralia City Schools for 34 years as well as at Kaskaskia College, served one year as Principal at St. Mary’s School, and is still a substitute as well as running the after-school program. She is a three-time past chairman of Balloon Fest and remains on the committee as Balloon Fest Liaison. Williams handled 12 calls for assistance following fires for the Red Cross in the past month alone as she has passed the 50-year mark as a volunteer.
Williams is also a board member for St. Mary’s Foundation, United Fund, and St. Mary’s Hospital, is a current Trustee of St. Mary’s Parish and is a member of the Centralia Plan and Zoning Commission.
The Centralia Halloween Parade is set for seven pm Saturday night, October 29th.
