Veterans Day parade, events set

Veterans Day will be celebrated in Holton with a parade and other special events Wednesday.

Activities will begin at 8 a.m. with a flag raising ceremony on the southwest corner of the Square. At 11 a.m., an Honor Guard salute will be held on the southeast corner of the Square, near the Bernie Deghand Memorial.

The Veterans Day parade will be held at 1 p.m. around the Square. Line-up will begin 30 minutes prior to the start of the parade north on New York Avenue. 

So far, the Holton High School band, the Holton Middle School band and Royal Valley High School band are set to march and play in the parade, it was reported.

Additional floats for veterans are being planned. Members of the public are encouraged to wave a small flag during the course of the parade.

For more information about participating in the parade, call Carolyn Koger at 364-3321.

The annual community vets dinner will be held at 6 p.m. at the Holton Armory, 1008 W. Fourth St. The dinner is open to all members of the public. 

Parking for the dinner will be available at the First United Methodist Church or Mercer Funeral Home. Shuttles will be available. The dinner is being served for a free will donation.

Many businesses will also have patriotic displays around the Square that day. In addition, some restaurants will be offering specials and free or discounted meals for veterans. 

On Saturday, Nov. 14, the Christmas season kicks off with the annual Christmas Parade of Lights, which is scheduled for 6 p.m. 

The earlier parade schedule coincides with other Holton/Jackson County “Second Saturday” activities. 

Law enforcement, city and county departments, area clubs, service organizations, churches, businesses, school groups and families are all encouraged to participate in the annual light-up parade that features vehicles and floats covered in Christmas lights. 

Line-up for the parade starts at 5:15 p.m. along the east side of Holton High School.

Participants are encouraged to be creative with their entries and light up vehicles, floats, farm machinery and other methods of transportation with holiday lights.

Cash prizes will be given to the top religious float, business float and club/organization float. 

To sign up your group or family for the parade, contact David Powls at The Recorder at 785-364-3141 or send an e-mail to holtonrecorder@embarqmail.com.