By RECORD STAFF
The centennial celebration of the annual Maxwelton Independence Day parade will be led by longtime organizers Dana and Ken Gilroy.
Having lived on Whidbey Island and the Maxwelton Beach community for many years and having made significant contributions to the parade, it’s their time to lead it down the road to open up the Fourth of July festivities.
“It seems very fitting to recognize the many contributions of Dana and Ken for this 100th parade,” said organizer Bob Brooks in a news release. “We are delighted that they will receive the thanks of the community for all they have done over the years.”
Ken Gilroy has had a Maxwelton Beach residence since 1976, according to the news release prepared by the organizing Maxwelton Community Club. He brings his family members to help out on the parade most years.
Dana Gilroy taught in South Whidbey schools for many years before ending as vice principal of Langley Middle School. She first worked on the parade under Joan Mackie Reese and became president of the community club and chief parade organizer in 1996. In 2006, she stepped down as president, but continued as parade organizer until 2008 and remains involved in the event’s coordination.
They will ride and wave at the crowd lining the roadway in Ray Gabelein’s vintage red convertible.
After the ride down Maxwelton Road, the Gilroys will join past parade grand marshals in the VIP area to share parade experiences and memories, and be recognized for their contributions to the community and continuing the Americana tradition.
The parade, started in 1912 but suspended some years during World War I and World War II, has been otherwise held annually. To celebrate the 100-year history, an exhibit of old parade photos and memorabilia will be set up in the grandstand area.
Organizers are extending a special invitation for float or walking entries from other South Whidbey clubs, associations, chambers of commerce and other community representatives.
The parade kicks off at 1 p.m. Saturday, July 4 at Maxwelton Beach, Clinton.
Creative musical and walking entries are welcomed, along with bicycles, stilts, etc. For safety reasons, non-vintage vehicles must be no larger than Explorer/Tahoe size. There is a limit of one entry per political party and per candidate.
There is no entry fee and no need to pre-register, but organizers would like to know ahead about any large entries. Write up some information about each entry for the announcers.
Registration begins at 11:30 a.m. at the corner of Maxwelton and Swede Hill roads.
Games for kids, teens and adults will follow at Dave Mackie Park.
Parade favorites returning this year: Danny Ward on saxophone for the National Anthem, Second Wind drum corps, Megan McClung Marine Corps Detachment for the color guard and flag raising, and Bruce the bagpiper.
Free parking is located near the parade route until full, after which free shuttles will operate from/to the overflow lot at Little Brown Church at French Road.
Attendees can help fund the parade by buying the 100th parade button — just $1 (cash only). Put a few bucks or a credit card in your pocket for hot dogs, chips, pie, pop and for a new commemorative T-shirt ($15).
The Independence Day celebration has always been an event for the South Whidbey community, hosted by members and volunteers of the Maxwelton Community Club. Volunteer help is welcome and needed. Contact the Community Club at 360-579-2030 or maxweltonclub@whidbey.com for details.
Seattle girl’s design picked for button contest
Kate Okerstrom, a fifth-grade Seattle student at Epiphany School, is the winner of the 2015 Maxwelton Independence Day Parade button contest.
Each year, an official button design is selected and made. Organizers then sell for $1 and the proceeds help fund the annual event.
Kate’s family has owned a house at Maxwelton Beach for six years.
“I love being at Maxwelton, exploring the beach and playing fetch with our dog, AJ,” she said in a news release from Maxwelton Community Club.
Design of the button had to reflect the celebration of Maxwelton’s 100th parade and the date. The contest was open to Maxwelton Valley residents’ relatives ages 14 and younger. The winner received $50 as a prize, plus infinite bragging rights for being the centennial button designer.
Kate’s favorite subjects in school are art, history, writing and English. Some of her best-enjoyed activities include reading, writing, painting, drawing, sewing and being outdoors.
