Wauseon Homecoming to salute WWII vets

7/23/2008

WAUSEON - A special salute to World War II veterans will highlight the Wauseon Homecoming parade this weekend.

About 25 area World War II veterans, who will serve as the parade's grand marshals, have agreed to participate in the event.

In keeping with the patriotic theme of the parade, Homecoming organizers plan to hand out 3,000 American flags to people lining the parade route. A flyover will help top off the activities, and the parade's 170 units will include a Sherman tank. The parade steps off at 11 a.m. Saturday in downtown Wauseon.

People from several states are expected to watch the parade, said Jeff Robinson, one of the Homecoming committee chairmen.

The city's Homecoming also will feature food, fireworks, and entertainment.

At 5 this evening the event will kick off with a hog roast and the opening of the midway in downtown Wauseon. A kiddie parade will be held at 6 p.m. followed by the queens pageant at 8 p.m. Games, rides, and activities will continue until 11 p.m.

Tomorrow's activities will begin with the opening of the midway and a butterfly pork chop dinner at 5 p.m. A magic show will be held at 7 p.m. Musical entertainment will be provided by Fossil Creek Blue Grass Band beginning at 9:15 p.m.

On Saturday, in addition to the grand parade at 11 a.m., there will be rides and games throughout the day.

The battle of the bands will begin at 8 p.m. The festival will conclude with a fireworks show at 11:45 p.m. and a grand prize drawing for the Pontiac G-6 sedan at midnight.

For a complete schedule, visit www.cityofwauseon.com.