VFW Loyalty Day Parade steps off May 1

Daily Herald report

Time for the 37th annual Batavia VFW 1197 Loyalty Day Parade Sunday, May 1.

“We support 10 years of Operation Enduring Freedom” is this year’s parade theme. The official Batavia VFW Parade Float will host the grand marshal — soldiers and/or their families serving or who have served during Operation Enduring Freedom. If you are one of those soldiers, or you know of one or more, email Loyaltyday1197@SBCGlobal.net or call the post at (630) 897-9630 to reserve your seat on the official parade float.

The annual Loyalty Day Parade is one of the largest parades in the area.

The parade depends on the support and donations from area businesses and volunteers. Your donations help the Ladies and Men’s Auxiliaries provide food for parade participants and service personnel as well as covering other parade expenses.

Help by sending your donations to Batavia VFW 1197, P.O. Box 82, Batavia, IL 60510, Attention: Loyalty Day Parade Treasurer or call (630) 897-9630 for more information.

Parade participant applications are available on the website Bataviavfw.org or by calling the post at (630) 879-9630.

The parade will step off at Raddant and Wilson streets at 1:30 p.m. May 1.

There will be a Life Source Blood Drive before and after the parade at the VFW. Be sure to donate blood before you eat or drink.

Prizes for the best parade entries will be awarded at about 5 p.m. after the parade. This year’s parade will have a new prize category — the Mayor’s Award.

Mayor Jeff Schielke will judge the parade entries and will make the award.

After parade activities will include food and entertainment for all ages on the post grounds.

Mark your calendars, sign up, participate, donate, volunteer or just join in showing your “Loyalty to the USA” and our troops.