Memorial Day to be celebrated in Felton

Old-fashioned family fun is just around the corner, as the annual Felton Memorial Day Parade and Covered Bridge Festival returns to town May 29.
The annual celebration — a town favorite that will see more than 70 U.S. military veterans walk in this year’s parade — is going strong in its 22nd year.
“There are not a lot of things from outside the area,” festival organizer John MacDonald. “We’re kind of old-school.”
KPIG’s Ralph Anybody will emcee the event that will include the Ghost Mountain Riders motorcycle club, jazz bands from the area, local equestrians, fire trucks, Girl Scouts, bagpipers and more.
The highlight, however, is the veterans from all walks of life who will march and ride in the parade. Ken Lewis, a retired U.S. Marines corporal, worked to gather the vets to participate.
Bob Hines, former editor of the Valley Press and former head of the Felton Business Association, will lead the parade as this year’s grand marshal.
The parade begins at 10 a.m. and will travel from Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park through downtown Felton. It will disperse at Felton Covered Bridge Park, where the annual Covered Bridge Festival will begin at 11 a.m.
Live music from volunteer bands Vito & Friends, New Speedway Boogie and the “U.S.” Band will accompany the beer and wine garden, tri-tip sandwiches by Felton Fathers, barbecue from Felton Fire, shaved ice, smoothies, watermelon and booths set up by vendors of all kinds.
A children’s area will have two large bounce houses, games and free prizes, and for the adults, there will be hay bales to lean up against while listening to music.
Because of limited parking at the park, organizers ask that folks simply follow the parade on foot to the festival.
MacDonald is looking forward to another successful year and figures the loss of Boulder Creek’s art and wine festival, which was canceled this year, could draw even more people to Felton.
“We’re looking forward to another great day,” MacDonald said. “Come up to Felton for a glass of wine, beer or a cold glass of lemonade, sit on a hay bale and enjoy the music.”
At a glance
• WHAT: Felton Remembers Parade and Covered Bridge Festival
• WHEN: Parade, 10 a.m.; festival, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.
• WHERE: Highway 9 in Felton, Covered Bridge Park