DANVILLE — A steady breeze and an occasional cloud helped make for pleasant weather conditions for Saturday’s edition of the Danville-Howard Turkey Festival. Before the parade, families and friends staked out choice spots along the main street, the children eagerly anticipating the candy and other treats that would be scattered by the parade participants.
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“I hear it!” one lad shouted. “I can see it!” said another. “Here they come!” chimed in many.
Veterans with the Joseph Colopy Jr. American Legion Post 650 were near the head of the parade, proudly displaying the Stars and Stripes. Along with fire trucks, service and commercial entries, the parade included celebrities such as Grand Marshal Keith Miller, Greater Knox County Junior Miss Tabytha Arthur and Knox County Pork Queen Amber Benedict. The Danville band provided music for the marchers, and buses, clowns, baton twirlers, equestrians, cheerleaders and the Danville girls fastpitch team moved down to Memorial Park.
Activities at the park continued in full swing after the parade. People crowded around the amusement rides, patronized vendors of various items — edible and nonedible — and strolled through the merchants’ tent. Firefighter Jason Stephens said merchants told him the attendance has been the best so far. Visitors hailed from Danville and Howard, but also came from places such as Ashland, Bladensburg, Columbus, Mansfield and Newark.
