DANVILLE — Keith Miller of Danville was named the Danville-Howard Turkey Festival Grand Marshal for this year’s parade. The pinnacle of the festivities is the parade, which will take place on Saturday, June 19, at 5 p.m.
“I feel honored and privileged to be able to represent my community,” he said.
The news came as a surprise to the owner of Miller’s True Value Hardware, who received a call from Fire Chief Larry Stimpert.
“They said I was selected by the committee to be parade marshal. I never thought it would be me,” said Miller.
Each year, the committee meets to chose an outstanding individual to represent the community in the parade.
“The festival committee members get together and make a listing of local business owners and community members that have provided outstanding community service and fire department support. Our nominees are local individuals from within the Eastern Knox County Joint Fire District area,” said Catrina Fowler, festival director.
“Mr. Miller was selected this year for his continued support of local youth and community activities, as well as his continued support of the fire department. Mr. Miller has provided regular support to the committee that helps make the overall festival a success, as well as his contributions made to the fire department that provided a direct benefit to its members and the community we serve.
“We are honored to have him as our grand marshal for the 2010 Danville-Howard Turkey Festival,” she said.
In past years, Miller has served as master of ceremonies for the Little Miss/Mr. Turkey contest, and continues to attend the festive tradition each year.
“The festival is an asset to the community,” he said. “It takes a lot to put it on each year.”
Miller was raised in the Danville/Howard area, and graduated from Danville High School. After serving in the U.S. Army in 1968-71, during the Vietnam War, Miller came back to Danville to raise his family.
Married for 39 years, to his wife, Barb, they have two children, Missy and Robert. Missy is wife to Shawn Moreland and they have three boys: Blake, Brice and Brant. The couple’s son, Robert is married to Kristin, and they have two daughters: Kaylin and Taylor. All of Miller’s family live in the Knox County area.
Prior to owning the hardware store, Miller owned Miller’s Tap Room, a bar and restaurant, for several years in downtown Danville.
“The community is very close and is a great place to raise a family,” he said. “We have a wonderful school system and we’re just one big family here.”
The Turkey Festival is scheduled for Thursday, June 17, through Saturday, June 19, and will be held at Danville Village Park. Each day will be filled with live entertainment, food, games, demonstrations, arts and crafts, and more. For a complete schedule of events visit turkeyfestival.info. A tab with information on the festival will be inserted in the June 14 edition of the News.
“Danville is just a great place to live,” said Miller.
