The clock is ticking. In less than two weeks, the 2003 edition of the Ironton-Lawrence County Memorial Day Parade will hit the streets.

Grand Marshal Marsha Kerns said she hopes that Irontonians will take pride in their city by sprucing up their homes and storefronts, and maybe even add some decoration.

The parade often draws a crowd of 35,000 people, many of whom come to Ironton only once a year -- for the Memorial Day Weekend. Kerns wants the visitors to leave with a positive memory of the city, as well as the parade.

"I'd like for people to make it look good, and they usually do. I don't mean anything elaborate, just a show of pride," Kerns said. "I would like to see the avenues in and out of town cleaned as well as the parade route."

The parade committee has purchased 52 new flags that will adorn parts of the parade route. The City of Ironton has flags to decorate the downtown business district.

Meanwhile, the Ironton Cooperative Club has donated $150 for plaques for the floats. Club member Lou Pyles said the Cooperative Club usually donates $50 to the parade, but made an additional donation this year to pay for the plaques.