Fulton Street Fair names marshals for parade

With the 2012 Fulton Street Fair just around the corner, event organizers have revealed the identities of six Callawegians they feel best represent their generation to serve as grand marshals for the William Woods University Grand Parade on Saturday, June 16.

Spokesperson Tom Harris said recommendations for the individuals selected "came from all over."

"We picked people who would be a good representative of their generation," said parade chairperson Sharon Mather.

Board member Melissa Siegel said that when the street fair committee was brainstorming names for consideration, "we selected people we were familiar with in the community that are good role models for their generation."

Representing those born between 1901-1924 will be Mabel Fischer, a native of Guthrie known throughout Callaway for her baking skills.

"She's probably made everybody in Callaway County's wedding cakes," said street fair committee member Connie Foust, who suggested Fischer be included. "I live right down the road from her. She turns 94 in August, and I just think she's a wonderful person."

For her part, Fischer said she was excited to have been chosen.

"I was so delighted. I think I'm going to love every minute of it," Fischer said. "I think it's really wonderful and such an honor."

For the "Greatest Generation," born between 1925-1945, the committee selected Fulton NAACP founder and president Jack McBride.

"He was an obvious choice," Siegel said. "He's done a lot of positive things for the community."

"I think Jack has done so much for so many communities," agreed Harris, who nominated McBride.

McBride said he also was happy to accept the honor, which he felt to be fitting in more way than one.

"I was surprised and somewhat pleased, because when I was discharged from the Navy, a lot of (African American service members) got no recognition at all then," McBride said. "So I'm pleased that I was asked."

To help the tornado-stricken people of Dumas and surroundings, donations can be made to the Delta Area Disaster Relief Fund, care of the Delta Area Community Foundation, P.O. Box 894, Dumas, AR, 71639, or through the Arkansas Community Foundation, 700 S. Rock St., Little Rock, AR, 72202.