Jefferson Day Parade to return July 11
OAK RIDGE — The 29th annual Jefferson Township Day celebration is getting closer, and the Jefferson Arts Committee announced the Township Parade along Weldon Road will return on July 11 at 11 a.m.
Parade chairperson Mike Murphy with members of American Legion Post No. 423 have been working hard to ensure the parade returns in all its glory.
Right now, the lineup will be led by the Jefferson Township High School Golden Falcons Marching Band, and several groups have already committed to participate either as marchers, in vehicles, on bicycles, or on floats: the Jefferson Township Historical Society, the Boy Scouts, American Legion Post #423, Country Day School, and Fire Company No. 1’s Ladies Auxiliary. Murphy is lining up some other groups and they will be announced once they officially commit to participate.
The Decorated Bicycle Parade and Contest overseen by the Joseph F. Lamb Knights of Columbus Council returns this year as part of the parade; and as in the past, there will be convertibles transporting dignitaries and Grand Marshalls Debi Merz and Eric Wilsusen – Mayor Felter’s 2014 Citizens of the Year.
If your child participated in the Arts Karts Races over the past two years, they are welcome to ride their karts in the parade this year but there will not be an Arts Karts Race.
Murphy said he hopes other township organizations, groups, churches, schools, etc. will come forward. If interested in participating in the parade, contact Murphy at 908-208-5190 or at globemaster2@hotmail.com as soon as possible.
Convertibles wanted
The 29th annual celebration is no exception, and owners of convertibles are asked to contact the Jefferson Arts Committee if they wish to drive their vehicles in the parade.
The vehicles will leave the parking lot of the Milton United Methodist Church after the Jefferson Township Historical Society’s Breakfast at the Jefferson Township Museum on Dover-Milton Road with assigned guests and proceed to the Municipal Building staging area on Weldon Road.
During the parade, the convertibles will stop in the street at the Arts Committee’s review stand on Weldon Road in front of the Jefferson Township High School. Guests will disembark from the vehicle they are riding in and take their seat on the reviewing stand to watch the rest of the parade. Drivers will proceed on the parade route and leave when the parade is over.
To drive your convertible in this parade, contact Jack Kelly at 973-697-5957 or jackkelly@hotmail.com as soon as possible.