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Painting the town red, white and blue

By Staff | Apr 17, 2015

Estuardo Garcia

The Walking Flag marched down the street during McLouth's 2007 Patriots' Day Parade. From left are Bank of McLouth co-workers Alicia Wood, Kathy Scott, Sandy Wise, Fern Braksick, Jennifer Pint and Connie Hutchinson. The ladies have been in the parade since 2003.

World War II re-enactors, bake sale, pony rides and craft and antique vendors all will be part of McLouth’s festivities on Saturday.

It’s time for another Patriots Day in the Jefferson County community, as those attending are encouraged to wear red, white and blue.

The traditional children’s parade and a main parade also are scheduled as a way to honor those in the military and celebrate the country.

Festivities begin with pancakes being served from 8-10 a.m. at the McLouth Fire Station, while military memorabilia will be displayed in the room next to the Bank of McLouth and the KC Area Military Vehicle Preservation Association’s “Hell on Wheels” will display vehicles and memorabilia.

Youths can enjoy the petting zoo and pony rides as part of the festivities, while the McLouth Public Library will have a basket raffle and bake sale along with some 30 craft and antique vendors.

Here’s a look at the schedule for the rest of the day:

• 11: a.m., children’s parade begins on north edge of town.

• 11:30 a.m., McLouth Cub Scouts Pack 81 Cub Mobile Races.

• McLouth Kiwanis will serve lunch before and after the main parade at the fire station.

• 12:30 p.m., veterans can ride the Veterans’ Trolley, but they are to meet by 12:30 p.m. at the trolley, which will be in the Leavenworth Jefferson Electric Cooperative parking lot.

• 1 p.m., main parade begins. Participants can gather at Stan Braksick Sports Complex.

McLouth also welcomes the Kansas City Bettys. They are a community service group with a mission is to serve those who served our country. The Bettys spend time in veteran hospitals, retirement communities, and domiciliaries thanking veterans for their service. They attend events which honor and support veterans and will bring their USO style show to Patriots Day.

Another special attraction this year will be the World War II Re-Enacting Corps and World War II History Center from El Dorado. Immediately following the main parade, a German squad will ambush a squad of WWII American Airborne Troopers and a small public battle will ensue. The re-enactment is expected to last 5-10 minutes.

The World War II History Center also will have a demonstration of weapons and display uniforms.