PARADE EVENTS 2006
SATURDAY, MAY 27
8 A.M. “RAISING OF THE 500 FLAGS”
Come help us raise the 500 flags to honor area veterans! Pick-ups are welcome.The flags will fly along Pitt Street all weekend and Memorial Day. All area residents are welcome to come help or watch, listen to music, have a cup of coffee, a donut and enjoy our 30’ Uncle Sam. (Sale of food to benefit servicemen.) We’ll be located at the former Bissett Car Dealership just north of the Mercer County Courthouse on Pitt Street.
10 A.M. “RACE THROUGH THE FLAGS”
The fastest mile you’ll ever run! Registration begins at 8 a.m. at the former Bissett Car Dealership just north of the Mercer County Courthouse on Pitt Street. This one mile race is a USA T&F certified course. RATES: Student:$5. Adult:$8. Family $20. Contact Mark at 724 458 4435 or smc@runhigh.com for more information. web: www.runhigh.com
MONDAY, MAY 29
11 A.M. MERCER MEMORIAL DAY 500 PARADE
Marching along Pitt Street from Venango to Beaver Streets. This hour-long event highlights:
- 3 veteran honorees U.S. Navy Petty Officer, Retired, Robert Fike, Hermitage; US Army Captain, Retired, William D. Gregg, Mercer; U.S. Air Force Master Sergeant, Retired, Samuel McCurdy, Jackson Center, riding in red, white and blue convertibles;
- Old Guard Fife and Drum Corps, Washington D.C.,
- Balmoral Highlander Pipe and Drum, Pittsburgh
- Riderless Horse to honor Lt. Colonel Michael McLaughlin of Mercer, killed in Iraq.
12 P. M. MERCER MEMORIAL DAY 500 OBSERVANCE
This hour-long tribute to veterans is the centerpiece of the week-end events:
- Keynote Speaker, US Army Colonel Donald Jones, Retired, was a former Farrell basketball stand-out, served two tours of duty in Vietnam, commanded a company in the 101st Airborne and the A-Team of the Green Berets and has had an heroic and decorated military career.
- Honoree Presenter, Representative Dick Stevenson, US Air Force, Retired, was a member of the U.S. Security Service. A former County Commissioner, Dick is now in his 3rd term in the State House of Representatives.
- Former POWs Jim Zimmer and Wayne McClelland, Germany, and Abie Abraham, Philippines (Bataan Death March) will be on stage along with the McLaughlin family.
- Penn Ohio Singers, along with the Balmoral Highlanders and Old Guard will provide special music.
