The Labor Day parade in Clarkston, set to kick off Monday downtown, has been going 72 years and counting.
And although this year’s lineup is a bit slim compared to last year, the fact that it’s still going demonstrates how much the community cares about the longtime tradition, said Rotary Club vice president Joel DeLong.
“This is something that all of us can take pride in,” said DeLong, parade organizer with the
, which sponsors the holiday event and is only three years older than the parade itself.
The parade will kick off at 10 a.m. in front of Renaissance High School on Waldon Road, and will travel down Church Street to Main Street, ending at Miller and Holcomb roads.
This year, there are 40 entries and not many floats, said DeLong.
But Karen Newman – longtime Red Wings national anthem singer and spokeswoman for local dealership Bowman Chevrolet – still sings every year, as well, along with American Legion Post 63, which has participated as long as the Rotary Club has put the event on.
“We expect as many as 2,500 people downtown,” said DeLong, adding that after 72 years, people still love to participate in the community spirit of the event.
Clarkston resident Cory Johnston goes to the parade every year.
“Any day that shuts down the traffic on Main Street and gets everyone outside and on the streets is a great day,” Johnston said.
Don Carter, representative of
, said his organization joins in on the event not only to support the community, but to let veterans know there’s help for them.
The American Legion, chartered by Congress in 1919, is the nation’s largest service organization for veterans, offering help to war-time veterans returning from duty.
“A lot of people don’t know about all the things we do for veterans,” he said, “so this gets our name out there a little more.”
He agrees with DeLong about the tight-knit community feel of Clarkston.
“Even during Christmas activities, when it’s pretty cold out there, people show up,” he said. Post 63 will feature three military vehicles and 30 veterans in the parade.
* American Legion Post 63, Color & Honor Guard
* Shelswell, Terry, 52 Willys M38A1 Army Jeep and 1952 M37 Dodge Troop Carrier
* Van Dan Elzen and Warren families, 1953 Dodge M37 Military
* Bowman Chevrolet, 1953 Chevy Truck with up to 10 people
* Clarkston Rotary, Rotary Banner, Rotary Wheel and Clown Corp
Oakland County Sheriffs Office, Four units – Motor, Dare truck, Humvee, Sheriff
* Petku, Craig family, 1931 Model A Roadster
* Oakland Count Commissioner Tom Middleton, pickup truck with 10 people
* Max & Ermas Auburn Hills, three to four walkers
* Clarkston High School Marching Band
* John Rasmussen, antique 1917 Model T Ford
* State Representative 43rd District candidate Jim Tedder, walkers
* Clarkston Chiefs Football and Cheer teams, truck and trailer with 50 to 100 walkers
* Brian and Carrie Snyder, 1970 Chevrolet SS
* North Oakland Shrine Club, five mini cars and a float
* Clarkston Area Optimist Club, float and 10 walkers
* Detroit Twirling Steppers, 15 people
* The Copy Man, 1967 Chrysler Newport
* MSU Alumni Band, truck and trailer
* John Pyke, 1947 John Deere tractor
* State Representative 43rd District candidate Dennis Ritter, one car and classic pickup, 30 walkers
* Miss Oakland County Scholarship Program
* U.S. Senate candidate Terri Lynn Land, one large truck and 10-15 people
* Waterford Zap Zone, car and 10-20 walkers
* MillerWoods LLC (Arsey Miller), 1931 Ford pickup
* Oakland County Circuit Court judge candidate Lisa Langton, five to seven walkers
* First Congregational Church of Clarkston, church’s 1979 Trans AM and 1955 Buick, 12-15 people
* Twisted Root Yoga and Fitness, 20 walkers
* The Breck Bednar Foundation, truck and 15-20 walkers
*
, two walkers
* Dan Jockwig and family, 1930 Model A Ford Town Sedan
* Oakland County Roller Derby, six to 10 rollerskaters with signs
Oakland County Commission candidate Phil Reid
* State Senate District 14 candidate Bobbie Walton, one car, truck and trailer, eight people
* Larry Mitchell – Realtor for ChangingStreets.com, One car and 12 walkers
Little Miss Michigan Monica Maleszyk and family
* Independence Township Fire Department
* Nancy and Lee Galik, Clarkston Rotary golf cart
