Clarkston Area Optimist Club, Mount Zion Church, and Knights of Columbus are teaming up to save Independence Township’s Fourth of July parade.
‘I think the Optimist Club is excited about getting involved,” said Optimist member Bruce Mercado. ‘It looks like it’s going to work with the three organizations, I think it’s fantastic.?
Pastor Dan Niewoit of Mount Zion said the church is also excited.
‘We saw a need and wanted to fill it,? Niewoit said. ‘Mount Zion as a church always wants to reach out to the community and be a part of events such as the Fourth of July Parade. We believe this is going to be the best year yet and wanted to do what we could to help out.?
Independence Township Fire Chief Steve Ronk said the fire department, which previously organized the parade, could no longer do so.
‘I am happy with the involvement to this point,? Ronk said. ‘The three groups seem to be committed.?
They will meet with Ronk on Thursday to start organizing what group will be in charge of what and start planning how things will operate.
‘We still have a lot of detail ahead, but as long as they keep showing up, we’ll make it happen,? Ronk said. ‘Thursday’s meeting will be a turning point. We’ll see who’s committed and we’ll get them organized and set them loose to do the work.?
? Trevor Keiser