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McLouth plans salute to patriots

By Tricia Masenthin - | Apr 19, 2006

McLouth will be draped in red, white and blue Saturday, when it hosts its eighth annual Patriots Day.

The event, which began in 1999, pays tribute to U.S. military members and their families and other patriots of the community, said Beverly Muzzy, who is helping promote the event.

She said the day was designed to show appreciation for the sacrifices Americans have made throughout history.

“It’s important because it’s McLouth’s way of saying thank you,” Muzzy said. “It’s McLouth’s way of making history real.”

Festivities for all ages will kick off at 8 a.m. and continue throughout the day.

Active-duty and retired members of the military and their families are invited to participate in the main parade at 1 p.m. A military memorabilia display and Kansas Army National Guard rock-climbing wall also will be featured.

Keith Meador is helping organize the historical military items, which include scrapbooks, uniforms, awards, weapons and old flags.

He said the day’s focus had evolved throughout the years and taken on more significance since the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks. The day honors firefighters, police, emergency personnel and citizens who serve their communities, in addition to members of the military and their families.

“Patriots are selfless,” said Meador. “You don’t have to be a soldier, seaman, airman, Marine or in the Coast Guard to be a patriot.”

“Being a good citizen is being a patriot in the community.”

Organizers will also offer a pancake feed, quilt show, children’s parade and activities, soapbox derby, food vendors and craft and antique booths.

Here’s a schedule of events:

  • 8 a.m.-10 a.m.: Chris Cakes pancake feed at the Fire Station. Advance tickets are available from Carol Brewer, J&L Fabrics, for $3.50 (youth) and $5 (adults). Tickets at the door are $4 (youth) and $6 (adults).
  • 9 a.m.-2 p.m.: McLouth Public Library book sale, Community Building.
  • 10 a.m.-3 p.m.: Quilt show and quilting demonstrations, United Methodist Church.
  • 11 a.m.: Children’s parade.
  • 11:30 a.m.: Union Street Dancers.
  • Noon: Cub Scout’s soapbox derby.
  • 1 p.m.: Main parade, featuring a veterans trolley and historical figure portrayals.

Throughout the day: petting zoo, moon walk, children’s rides, crafts, local merchants, antiques, food vendors and climbing wall, as well as a military memorabilia display.