WE NEED YOUR HELP

Plans are well underway for Gothenburg's 2019 Harvest Festival Sept. 19-22. We've got some new events and some old favorites that we hope everyone will get involved in. The theme, All-American Harvest Festival, pays tribute to the city's recent All-America City Award.

Of course we'll have the big parade on Saturday morning, Sept. 21. It's one of the favorite events of the celebration, usually bringing 75 or so entries and thousands of spectators. An honor bestowed every year is the naming of the parade's grand marshal. This position is usually decided through nominations that are narrowed down and selected by the Gothenburg Chamber of Commerce board of directors. But we need your help.

What is a grand marshal? It's an honored leader chosen for special recognition to lead a ceremony. In this case, it's an individual or group highlighted at the beginning of the Harvest Festival parade. The grand marshal usually garners some pre-parade publicity and gets a special ride arranged by the Chamber. That's the extent of the responsibilities unless the grand marshal wants to do more.

The grand marshal could be a city leader, a noted volunteer, a group of people who have gone above and beyond or a person or group who fits the theme. There really are not set parameters. It can be anyone.

Please help us select this year's grand marshal by making a nomination. It's easy and the person you nominate doesn't even have to know it was you who put them in the spotlight. Call the Chamber at 537-3505, click HERE to email the Chamber, send a note to 1001 Lake Ave. or stop in the office.

We want the grand marshal to be someone honored and respected by the community, so please submit your ideas. Nominations will be accepted until Aug. 10 and the 2019 Harvest Festival parade grand marshal will be announced before the end of August.

Thanks for you help and be sure to get out there and participate! A full schedule of events is coming soon!

---