This year's parade is dedicated to the memory of Saul Winslow, a veteran who volunteered his time to help organize nearly every major event in Farmersville.

Saul and his wife Anna have helded at the Christmas Tree Lighting ceremony by playing Mr. And Mrs. Claus, were active in the High School Booster Club and volunteered at the Farmersville Library. Saul was even an Honorary City Council member. He and his wife were also instrumental in planning the annual Veterans Memorial Parade Day parade, of which Saul served as Grand Marshall in 2000.

Parade entries should arrive at 9 a.m. to get their numbers. Jose Velasco and Rev. Jim Wiley will give the invocation, School Board President Alice Lopez will lead the Flag Salute and the Farmersville High School Choir, along with Ariana and Catrina Goulbourne will perform the National Anthem prior to the beginning of the parade at 10 a.m.

The Farmersville Memorial Parade Committee is still accepting applications for its 53rd annual Memorial Day Parade. Entries must include the name of the person or organization, contact person, mailing address, phone number and a detailed description of the parade entry.

Categories for the parade are as follows: Youth Sports, boys, girls and pee-wee; bands, baton groups, baton singles, commercial floats, decorated bicycles/wagons, religious floats, youth groups; Equestrian, group, adult single, youth single and horse-drawn wagon; Vehicles, antique, classics, novelty, religious, racers/dragsters, 4-wheel drive/trucks, motorcycles. Entries should be mailed to P.O. Box 244, Farmersville, CA 93223. Call 594-4340.

The parade will begin at 10 a.m. in the 300 block of Visalia Road, head west, turn north onto Farmersville Boulevard and end at Ash Street. Parade entries will be announced at the intersections of Visalia Road and Farmersville Boulevard and at Farmersville Boulevard and Ash Street.

This year's Grand Marshall is World War II veteran Troy Pendergrass. The Air National Guard is expected to fly over the parade route between 10:15-10:30 a.m.

Following the parade, trophies will be awarded to parade winners at 11:15 a.m. and raffle prizes will be awarded. Raffle tickets are $1 each or eight for $5 and will be sold before and during the parade to offset the cost of the trophies. At noon there will be a festival at Veterans' Memorial Park near Walnut and Farmersville Boulevard held by Victory Outreach. There will be music, food, bounce houses, kids crafts and silent auction.

Exeter honors more than 1,300 veterans' graves

Exeter Post 94 of the American Legion will hold its annual Memorial Day Ceremony at 8 a.m. Monday, May 28 at the Exeter Cemetery. Guest speaker will be Jack Allwardt, former commander of Post 94 and current Exeter City Councilmember. Allwardt served three years with the U.S. Army in Korea from 1960-1963.

The Exeter Union High School band will play several patriotic selections during the observance. As seating is limited, it is suggested that attendees bring their own chairs.

In addition to the Avenue of Flags, the Post will also decorate approximately 1,300 veterans graves with crosses and small flags beginning at 6:30 a.m. on Saturday, May 26. The general public is invited to assist in this annual endeavor. Volunteers should look for Legionnaires wearing the military cap and offer their help.

The American Legion is an organization of war-time veterans who band together to honor God and country. Exeter Post 94 has been in existence since 1924 promoting Americanism and patriotism in the community.

For more information regarding the American Legion's local activities, please contact Commander-elect Sandra Carr at 592-4069.

Carr was also recently elected as Commander of the American Legion's District 15, which encompasses 22 posts in Tulare and Kern counties.

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