EGANVILLE — Olympian Melissa Bishop may be wowed, but shouldn’t be surprised, with the homecoming planned for the home-town athlete.
The Melissa Bishop Homecoming Parade continues to grow in size with commitments from many businesses, organizations and classic vehicle owners to participate in the Saturday, Sept. 10. event.
To date, Pipe and Dum bands from Garrison Petawawa, Renfrew, Pembroke and Arnprior have confirmed their attendance.
The school choir from Opeongo High School will also entertain along the route.
There will also be a presence from the Ontario Provincial Police headquarters in Orillia, which is planning on sending motorcycles and officers, some older police vehicles and other OPP resources.
Chris Harkins, the newly-appointed Chief Superintendent of East Region, will also be attending in his first official public appearance in his new region.
Several businesses from across the county have confirmed they will be entering floats and as many as 100 classic sports cars and trucks could be participating if ideal weather conditions prevail.
The parade starts and ends at Legion Memorial Field where parade marshals Brian Weckwerth, Joe Moore and Dennis Brash will be busy, along with several other volunteers, getting everyone ready for a 1:30 p.m. start.
Following the parade, there will be a huge outdoor reception at the Legion Field. Food vendors, music and washrooms will be available.
The parade marshals are urging participants to arrive between 12:30 and 12:45 p.m. so they can get organized for the parade.
Parade organizers are expecting upwards of 5,000 people to line the parade route, if the weather is co-operative, and a sea of red is expected to greet Olympian Melissa and the Bishop family as they ride in a beautiful horse-drawn carriage provided by Cobden teamster Tom Redmond. Mr. Redmond had the honour of carrying the Bishop family in the 2012 parade in Eganville.
Many people will be wearing their red t-shirts, but if you don’t have one, and would like to purchase one, there will be a limited supply of t-shirts and hats available in Eganville at Freshmart, Outward Bound and Foodland and in Cobden at The Scoop.
All locations, except Foodland, will also take orders for shirts in the event your size is not available.
Dinner
An evening dinner at the Eagle’s Nest at the Eganville Arena on Sept. 10 will cap off the day of celebrations and be a night to remember.
While the hall can accommodate just over 200 people, guests will enjoy a hot and cold buffet dinner, music, brief addresses from special guests and an opportunity to witness a few surprises.
The committee is comprised of Gerald Tracey, chair; Terry Fleurie, Bonnechere Valley Mayor Jennifer Murphy, Dennis and Debbie Brash, Joe and Dianne Moore, Brian and Margaret Weckwerth, and Dana Jennings.
Dinner tickets are available until Wednesday, Sept. 6 or until all are sold. Tickets are $85 each with $55 going towards a community gift for the two-time Olympian.
Tickets are available at Conway’s Pharmacy in Cobden, the Leader in Eganville, Petawawa Toyota in Pembroke, Ray’s Flowers in Renfrew, and the Valley Gazette in Barry’s Bay.
—Eganville Leader
