Parade preparations in full swing

ST. CLAIR SHORES — Preparations for the St. Clair Shores Memorial Day Parade have already begun and the organizers are excited for the day to come.

The parade this year will be on Harper Avenue due to construction on Jefferson Avenue. It will take place on Sunday, May 25.

Pamela Mason, the chairperson of the St. Clair Shores Memorial Day Parade Committee, said they are a little bit ahead of schedule. She was treasurer of the committee last year and she said the chairperson has a lot more to juggle.

“A lot more irons in the fire, but that’s to be expected,” Mason said.

Everything has been smooth sailing so far, she said.

“I’ve got a great team and everybody’s very eager to jump in and take on a task without even asking or without even being asked,” Mason said. “Everybody is just, just ready to go and it’s awesome.”

Dave Ellis, the previous parade chairperson, is not the lead anymore because, Mason said, he doesn’t want to occupy the chair. Ellis, however, is still a part of the committee handling logistics such as the parade lineup and more.

“With such a strong committee everybody on the committee is capable of it,” Mason said. “We all support one another.”

Mason said donations have just started coming in and the parade itself costs around $40,000 to $50,000 a year.

“So these donations are, they’re crucial,” Mason said.

The parade’s $100 donation board is already available for people to donate and to add their name to.

The annual fundraiser dinner will be held on May 1 at the VFW’s Bruce Post on Jefferson Avenue. Tickets will go on sale on April 1 and will be $20.

The veteran of the year and the grand marshal have not yet been chosen, but the committee has a few people in mind. Special guests are not being announced yet, but Mason said they also have a couple possibilities.

“Again, we do have to cut back a little bit more this year,” Mason said. “Fundraising was a little difficult last year. But we’re doing the best we can with the funds we have.”

Mason said she’s beyond excited for parade day to roll around.

“I love that day,” Mason said.

Councilman Dave Rubello said they’re on the way to another beautiful parade. The committee has had several meetings going over the logistics, Rubello said.

“We’re trying to figure out better ways to line people up,” Rubello said. “The entries before the parade. We think that will help a lot.”

He said with the number of entries and people they have there’s always difficulties.

“We all work together and send that parade down the road, but it’s not without its faults or difficulties, that’s for sure,” Rubello said.

Entry forms were being sent out at press time.

Rubello said the parade is one of the highlights of his year.

“I’ve been going to the parade my entire life,” Rubello said. “The people of St. Clair Shores always come out and have a great time. Always excited.”

The committee is looking for volunteers. Maria Galla is the volunteer coordinator and can be contacted at (586) 293-0100.

“We’re looking for volunteers not only for parade day, but the fundraiser dinner,” Mason said.

Mason said they’re also hoping to find restaurants in the local area that would be willing to sponsor the committee for a night. The restaurant would donate a portion of proceeds to the parade for a set number of hours on a set day.

“We would take that opportunity to advertise, let the community know that this location is supporting us and please come out and support your parade,” Mason said. “If you’re going to go out to eat, please try going here. You know, it works out for the restaurant. It benefits us as the committee.”

To donate, contact Rubello by email at rubellod@scsmi.net or by phone at (586) 489-8117.