Princeton prepares for Veterans Day celebration
By Jack Stephens
Published in News on November 4, 2005 1:47 PM
PRINCETON -- Lots of entertainment, food, a parade and a speech from a Congressional Medal of Honor winner on Saturday will headline the third annual Princeton Veterans Day celebration.
Five local groups will perform between 10 a.m. and 1 p.m. on the Edwards Street stage.
Scheduled to perform are The Spirituals at 10 a.m., Samantha Casey and the Blue Grass Jam at 10:55, the little singing cowboy Blake Price at 11:20 a.m., Ted Jones and the Tarheel Boys at 11:45 and Praise Out Loud at 12:45 p.m. Comedian Cousin Brossy, who also is known as Al Cotter of Rosewood, will serve as master of ceremonies.
Youngsters from owner Leslie Ingram Miller's Tippy Toes Dance Studio will perform between 10 a.m. and 1 p.m. on the Center Street Stage.
Chefs will compete in the second chili cook-off. The cooking will start at 6:30 a.m., the entries will be judged at 11:30 a.m. and chili sales will start at noon. The Princeton Lions Club will serve barbecue lunches from 11:30 a.m.
Jesse Lewis, a Vietnam War veteran, will serve as the grand marshal for the parade that will start at 2 p.m. The units, including unusual and antique vehicles, will line up at Princeton School. After the parade, the Princeton School band will perform at 2:45 p.m.
Walter J. "Joe" Marm of Fremont, a retired lieutenant colonel and Congressional Medal of Honor winner, will deliver the keynote address at 3 p.m.
Many other activities will be held during the day. Boy Scout Troop 23 will conduct a flag retirement ceremony.
Memorabilia will be displayed between 10 a.m. and 5 p.m. in the Princeton Community Building. The display will be hosted by the Johnston County Heritage Center and the Veterans Day committee.
The Princeton Rescue Squad will offer free blood pressure checks, and Sparky the Fire Dog will represent the Princeton Volunteer Fire Department. The Johnston County Sheriff's Office also will display equipment. Arts and crafts will be displayed.
The Princeton School contest winners will be announced at 9:45 a.m., and the goat raffle winner will be announced at 1:45 p.m.
Proceeds from the celebration will be used to erect a memorial for Princeton veterans. More information is available by calling 919-936-3042, or online at www.princetonveterans.org.