They’re savoring the success of this year, but looking forward to next year as well.

Members of the Ironton-Lawrence County Memorial Day Parade Committee Monday night honored volunteers and handed out awards for outstanding service.

And some of the talk turned to plans for the 2003 parade.

Grand Marshal Sue Lunsford called this years event, billed as the biggest ever, a "grand parade." She thanked those who gave of their time to make it happen.

"It would not have been

possible without each and every one of you. I hope everyone helps with next year’s parade," Lunsford said.

This year’s parade had more floats, more bands and more participation than any in recent memory.

Parade Committee member Joe Williams said that there were more churches taking part as well.

Each year, county churches are asked to send a representative to carry the denomination’s flag near the head of the parade.

"Last year we had two or three churches. This year we had 24 or 25 different flags," Williams said.

The Memorial Day 5 K Run provided another bright spot in the parade activities. Memorial Day 5-K Run

committee chairman David Waller handed the parade committee a check for $4,208.50.

"My goal was $1,500," Waller said. "We did way past that. We learned a lot and we had a lot of fun. It was easy to do with good people."

There were 114 runners

and 7 walkers in this year’s event.

"We plan on being bigger next year," Waller said. "And increasing the number of walkers."

Waller gave credit not only to event committee members but sponsors as well.

"I also want to thank the Ironton Police Department and the EMS for their help," Waller said.

Parade Committee member Frank McCown invited the 5-K run committee to get involved with the parade committee.

Lunsford was the recipient of this year’s William Joseph Williams Award for Outstanding Service.

Named in honor of one of the committee’s oldest members, the award is given each year to a committee member who goes above and beyond expectations to help make the parade a success.

Parade Committee President Connie Adkins said Lunsford filled the bill.

"She just runs here and runs there, never quiet, always on the go," Connie Adkins said.

Williams, in turn,

was honored for his continuing assistance in the parade. Williams has been a parade committee member for more than 26 years.

Artist Bill Ellis was honored for making this year’s grand marshal’s cane.

"I think I have a job for the rest of my life," Ellis joked. The parade committee earlier this year chose him as the official cane maker for the parade.

Parade Commander Marsha Kerns, will most likely be promoted to Grand Marshal for next year’s parade, said she is already working on next year’s event.

"I can’t say much," Kerns said. "But I’m already making contacts. I’m trying to get some well-known people to take part."

Committee member Jim Adkins said he would like to see the float for veterans improved next year.

He also said he would like to see a bigger turnout for the Woodland Cemetery Service. "It was good, but we can do better," Adkins said.

Adkins also added one humorous note to "changes" he would like to see made to next year’s parade: this year, a bull that was scheduled to be in the parade got loose and took a short jaunt through the downtown before being corralled by two men on horseback.

"Next year," Adkins joked, "no bulls." Teresa Moore/The Ironton Tribune