Lions to stage ‘Grand Parade’

The Fulton Lions Club recently announced that Steve James, News Director for WCMT radio station in Martin, Tenn., will be the announcer for this year’s 2018 Grand Parade, to be held Sept. 15, the final day of the 56th annual Banana Festival. The Grand Marshall will be J.D. “Rabbit” Cruce of South Fulton, the Twin Cities Chamber of Commerce Citizen of the Year.

The parade route will once again start on Broadway in South Fulton, cross over onto Commercial Avenue in Fulton and then onto Lake Street.

Those who consider an entry in this year’s parade are encouraged to “let their creative juices flow” this year, as there is no specific theme.

Categories will be Large float, Mini-float, School Spirit (sports teams, bands, etc.) and one new category, Church Youth Groups.

All four categories are eligible to be judged to receive the Grand Prize of $200 and a floating trophy.

In each category, $75 will be awarded for first place and $50 for second place, along with ribbons for first, second and third place.

An entry not fitting into one of categories such as vehicles, ATVs or diversified, will not be eligible for prizes or ribbons, but all entries are welcome, according to the Fulton Lions Club members.

Those with questions about the parade may contact the Lions Club Co-Chairmen, Lane Archie at 270-627-0776 or Anna McCoy, 270-210-6641.

“In view of the open theme of this year’s parade, we are looking forward to seeing the ingenuity of local groups and individuals come to life in the floats and various entries. We invite everyone, residents or visitors, participants or observers, to come out and enjoy the 2018 Banana Festival Grand Parade. It is always one of the most anticipated and popular events in the Twin Cities,” they said.