The Park Rapids 4th of July parade will pay homage to Independence Day with a theme this year: A Salute to Our Veterans.
Organizer David W. Konshok, a member of the US Air Force Reserves and a 1983 graduate of Park Rapids Area High School, has moved back to his hometown and volunteered to chair this year's parade.
"We've always had great participation from our military organizations and we hope for even more this year to honor our theme," Konshok said.
In addition to organizations, all veterans who have served in any war are invited to contact the Park Rapids Lakes Area Chamber of Commerce office (732-4111) to add their names to a list.
"Veterans are invited to be our honored guests," Konshok said. Vehicles will be provided for all who wish to participate in the parade, Konshok said.
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This year, three new awards have been added, including one for the entry that best relates to the theme. Other new awards are best children's or youth entry and best musical entry. Other categories in which awards are presented are: most humorous, best classic car, best animal, best muscle car and best of show.
Nominations for grand marshal are still being sought. The deadline for submitting nominations has been extended to Friday, June 23. Call or stop by the Chamber office on Highway 71 south.
The 2005 parade drew 125 entries and cost about $3,000 to put on, according to Chamber executive director Katie Magozzi.
In addition to a $5 entry fee per unit, sponsors are invited and needed so the show can go on.
There are three levels for giving: Roman candle - $200 or more with donors receiving a podium announcement, program recognition and a $50 ad on the back of the program; bottle rocket - $100 with donors receiving a podium announcement and program recognition; and firecracker - less than $100 with donors receiving program recognition. In the alternative, sponsors may purchase a $50 ad in the program.
Organizers are also seeking performers to entertain downtown starting at 3:30 p.m. July 4th. In the past, crowd pleasers have included musicians, dancers and a marshal arts demonstration. Anyone interested in participating, is asked to contact the Chamber or Mike Boterman at The Music Shop.
The parade will start at 5:30 p.m. following the same route as it has the past few years: south on Main Avenue to 5th Street and west to Fair Avenue, ending at Heritage Living Center.
In addition to the Chamber of Commerce, Konshok said the Park Rapids Rotaract Club and Downtown Business Association as well as the Park Rapids police and public works departments are helping with this year's parade.
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Rotaract members will be registering entrants, starting at 3:30 p.m. at the parking lot of the Church of Christ, 707 No. Main Ave. Rotaract and Downtown Business Association members also will be helping with crowd control.
For safety's sake, all parade participants are reminded not to throw candy from moving vehicles, but to walk along the sidelines and hand it out.
