Parade’s grand marshals are some of community’s grandest

By Alana Smith

Grand marshals date back to the first parade in 1890, and parades were mostly about horses then. Organizers needed a grand marshal to marshal them, riding up and down, keeping every man and horse in line. Then the roaring '20s hit. Grand marshals became individuals who were significant in their particular world, including U.S. presidents, astronauts, veterans, sports figures, and movie figures. A grand marshal became someone who the audience could look up to, both literally and figuratively.

Once a thankless job to organize men on horseback, the title of grand marshal today is one that’s all about thanks. Thank you for your service, community, contributions, or legacy left behind.

This year during the Fourth of July parade in Eatonville, we wanted to honor and celebrate three magnificent people who make a difference in our community, who quietly and without desire for reward or recognition act in selfless, generous and kind ways to aid or benefit others. These acts of kindness enrich the lives of others and are the source of inspiration, hope, joy and optimism for all of us.

Their work has been invaluable to our community in the 20 years that Arrow Lumber has been a part of the Eatonville community. Eatonville was the first Arrow Lumber and Hardware location.

Barney Wagner, owner and founder of Arrow Lumber, a lifetime in lumber and building materials. Very active in our community – Relay for Life, Thanksgiving turkey distribution to rural communities, etc. Always goes above and beyond, and ready to help when there is a need.

Steve Putney is a seasoned veteran employee with over 17 years at Arrow Lumber, a vice president in the company, and manages the Eatonville store. The guy with the big heart and bigger sense of humor is ready to help anyone any time.

Betty Zenkner, the go-to girl for plants and flowers at Arrow, has been an employee for 17 years and is very active in our community with Relay for Life, flower baskets, and keeping Eatonville beautiful. Betty was Ms. Liberty at our fireworks show and parade this year.

Thank you for being strong in our community.

Alana Smith is president of the Eatonville Chamber of Commerce.