The kickoff for the annual Fredonia Festival was held Friday evening with the Fredonia Parade being held through the center of town.
Registration took place as entries gathered on the grounds of Fredonia First Baptist Church. The grand marshal of the parade this year was Boyd Bates, who is very familiar with the line-up process for the parade.
Bates is a fixture with the parade and festival, as well as many projects in the Fredonia area. He was busy getting everyone settled in place before boarding his vehicle to lead out the parade. Bates was honored to be recognized by a group of people who have meant so much to him over the years and helped to make him the man he is today.
click to download audioHe feels living in a small community is something special and he gives back to it because it’s the right thing to do.
click to download audioBates appreciates being named grand marshal but feels he is not worthy of the honor.
click to download audioMichelle Travis served as chairman of the parade for several years, and to her, it’s a big family reunion.
click to download audioIn addition to the parade the Friday evening the Fredonia Valley Bank provided free watermelon to the community. Fredonia Presbyterian Church also provided a free meal for anyone stopping by their facility. Church Pastor Marc Bell shared they want to be an active part of the community and do so each year by providing the meal on Friday and also providing activities and supplies for children during the festival.
click to download audioBell added he grew up in a small community in McLean County and appreciates the small-town atmosphere and feels blessed to live in Fredonia.
Travis invites everyone to watch the Parade by going to the Facebook page “What’s Happening in Fredonia, Kentucky”. She said her parents and others are providing a Facebook live recording for anyone to watch if they missed the parade. She said it would be listed as Fredonia Valley Parade.
