In the 10th year after the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks, Memorial Day has once again taken on a new meaning, as thousands of United States troops have died in actions related to squelching terrorism in the Middle East.
After the recent death of Osama bin Laden, the 23rd annual Felton Remembers Parade and Covered Bridge Festival will commemorate troops who have died and celebrate the country’s freedom.
“I want to give a special thanks to Ken Lewis for organizing the veterans,” said John Fasolas who is coordinating the parade for a fifth year with Donna Young. “Some active-duty Marines will be in the parade this year.”
A U.S. Marine Corps honor guard from the Monterey Defense Language Institute will walk in the parade. Military men and women, both active and retired, can call Lewis at 239-5666 to be in the parade.
The Felton Business Association sponsors the free parade and festival each year for the community.
“It’s our 23rd parade, and we’re really kind of proud of it,” Fasolas said.
Jeannie Kegebein, who retired after 18 years as director of the Mountain Parks Foundation, will lead the parade as grand marshal. Assemblyman Bill Monning is also scheduled to take part, along with the Ghost Mountain riders, a roller derby team called The Mountain Maulers, vintage cars, local fire departments, cheerleaders, musicians and children representing various groups.
Those marching in the parade will gather in the parking lot of Pro-Build on Graham Hill Road at 8 a.m. before the procession makes its way through Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park into downtown Felton along Highway 9 at 9:45 a.m.
Following the parade, the annual Covered Bridge Festival will run from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Felton Covered Bridge Park on the corner of Mount Hermon and Graham Hill roads.
The festival, organized by John MacDonald of Felton Feed, will feature three new bands: Mofango, reggae artist Emmanuel Selassie and the Ukulele All Stars of Felton.
Food, beer, booths, games and more will be available throughout the day.
Children are also a big part of the festival.
“We have a bigger jump house this year,” MacDonald said.
Organizers suggest parking for the festival at Felton Bible Church, on the corner of Graham Hill Road and East Zayante Road, rather than in the Safeway parking lot.
If you go
WHAT: Felton Remembers Parade and Covered Bridge Festival
WHEN: Parade at 10 a.m., festival from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. May 28
WHERE: Highway 9 in Felton and Felton Covered Bridge Park
INFO: John Fasolas, 335-9024; or www.feltonbusinessassociation.com
