With the weather forecast currently calling for comfortable temperatures in the mid-70s on Labor Day, the annual parades in Danville and Westville are looking for crowds on the maybe even more than usual side. In Danville, former employees at the now closed Quaker Oats from Local 327 have been named as this year’s Grand Marshalls. Organizer Connie Ostrander says it was just the right move.
Audio PlayerAUDIO: Because Quaker has been part of the Federation of Labor for many, many years, and they’ve really been a big cornerstone for the county. I know they’ve got about the same amount of members as the VA, because they were one of our largest local unions here in the community.
Ostrander says the interest in participating just gets stronger every year.
Audio PlayerAUDIO: If my calculations are correct, this is the 90th year for this Labor Day Parade. Currently, I have roughly 70 participants; and I still have people calling to see if there’s any space left.
The Danville parade will step off at 9:30 Monday morning at Vermilion and Williams, heading south.
As for Westville’s parade, they’ll be getting underway along Route 1 at 11:30. Andrew Dugas of the Westville Lions recently joined Laura Williams on 1490 WDAN’s Community Connection.
Audio PlayerAUDIO: The Grand Marshall for this year’s parade is Darlene Oaks. She’s been a staple individual in the community, helping with Santa’s Anonymous for several years. She’s well known throughout Westville.
Audio PlayerAUDIO: Our Honorary Marshall is Paul Stein. Paul Stein did a lot during the sesquicentennial celebration; helping with the football game, and the history of Westville football, and all the rich history surrounding that. So he is well deserving of it as well.
To hear all of Laura Williams’ interview with Andrew Dugas, please find the program at https://vermilioncountyfirst.com/the-community-connection/
