The final parade of the summer is fast approaching as the Clarkston Rotary is set to present the 64th annual Labor Day Parade Sept. 6.
‘We are all set to go,? Rotary President John Halleran said. ‘All we have left to do is hope for decent weather.?
The parade, which began when the Rotary first started in Clarkston in 1940, will begin at 10 a.m. It will start on Church Street and travel north along Main Street through downtown Clarkston.
The grand marshal of the Labor Day Parade is retiring Independence Township Clerk Joan McCrary.
‘We generally try to recognize individuals who have been in our area awhile and really served the public,? Halleran said. ‘This is a ‘thank you? for all the years of service Joan has provided this area.?
McCrary has been township clerk for the last 16 years. She was appointed to the vacant clerk’s position in 1988 and earned re-election three times. She preceded that service with five years on the zoning board of appeals, having received her first taste of active involvement with a supervisor’s election campaign.
The 32-year township resident says being the grand marshal is a great honor.
‘I was so excited when I got the call. It was right before the primary election and we were feeling a little stressed,? McCrary said. ‘Once they told me I was so thrilled. I went to the middle of the room and told everyone and there were tears in my eye. I am excited, thrilled and honored for this opportunity.?
McCrary has also served the community outside of her work as clerk. Her outside involvement includes work with the Clarkston Junior Optimist (involving middle school students), the Clarkston Area Chamber of Commerce, the Clarkston Coalition for Youth and First Baptist Church of Clarkston.
While she is retiring in November, McCrary plans to stay active and stay in Independence Township. She has enjoyed her time as township clerk.
‘I think the best part is being able to see the fruits of your labor all the way through. It is like watching a movie because you see if from its beginning to its end. It has been a wonderful experience,? McCrary said.
McCrary will be joined by nearly 50 other organizations, businesses and individuals who will be a part of the parade. There will be awards for the best float, best theme and the President’s Award. The theme of the parade is ‘Hometown Value.?
Anyone interested in participating in the parade can call Halleran at (248) 625-7645 to register. Labor Day check-in for the parade will begin at 8 a.m. at Clarkston Elementary School.