Parade set Saturday
Annual Ontario event kicks off at 1 p.m.
By Larry Meyer
Argus Observer
LarryM@argusobserver.com
Friday, November 6, 2009 10:52 AM PST
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| The American Legion Post No. 67 leads the way in the Veterans Day parade, in photo taken last November on Southwest Fourth Avenue in Ontario. This year’s event starts at 1 p.m. near West Park Plaza and will end up at the Ontario Train Depot. |
ONTARIO — Veterans Day is not until next week, but opportunities for honoring all those who served will begin Saturday with a host of activities, including the annual Veterans Day parade.
Lineup for the parade will begin at 11 a.m. on Alameda Drive, with the parade to start at 1 p.m. at Alameda and Southwest Fourth Avenue.
“We’ve got almost 60 entries, over 100 vehicles and close to 400 people involved, so far,” Steve Farrow, commander of American Legion Post No. 67, Ontario, said.
The parade route now follows the same route as the Winter Wonderland Parade — east on Southwest Fourth Avenue to South Oregon Street, north to First Avenue and back around on Southeast First and Depot Road, to end at the train depot.
Ontario Police Department Capt. Mark Alexander said motorists in Ontario Saturday afternoon should be aware that streets along the parade route (Southwest Fourth and South Oregon) will be blocked off beginning at 12:30 p.m., and drivers should find alternate routes to get around town.
He said the procedures will be same as for the Winter Wonderland Parade and asks for motorists’ cooperation.
“This is going to be our eighth year,” Farrow said. “People are still coming out and showing respect for veterans.” He said people ask him if there is going to be a grand marshall, but in his view, every veteran who shows up is a grand marshall of the parade.
The parade first started with 12 veterans carrying flags marching up Southwest Ninth Street from the Veterans Hall to Park Boulevard and Evergreen Cemetery, and it has grown every year. While the first several parades were held on Veterans Day, the parade was moved to the Saturday before to get the community more involved, Farrow said.
The traditional Veterans Day services will be held Wednesday at 11 a.m. at Evergreen Cemetery.
Starting off Saturday’s activities will be the dedication of the Veterans Monument, honoring those who have served or are serving in the military. Chuck Sokolik, monument committee chairman, said the ceremony will start at 9 a.m. with the Ontario High School band sounding the call to attention. Members of the Oregon Army National Guard will conduct a flag-raising ceremony and local ministers will offer prayers, blessing the monument. There will be a singing of the National Anthem and some speeches thanking those who were involved in the project.
Also, Saturday, Veteran Advocates of Ore-Ida will have an open house at their office in the Park Center, starting at 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
There will be VA staff from Boise on hand to give out seasonal flu shots to veterans. Among the displays will be a memorial developed by Janice Gates, honoring her son Josh Brennan and other things to see and do and there will be food available.
There will be bleachers at the Park Center for viewing the parade.
