2010 Grand Marshal
Dr. Richard Ball named 2010 Grand Marshal
The search is over. The Curwood Festival Heritage Parade Grand Marshal
Committee is pleased to announce that Dr. Richard Ball of Bennington
Township has been chosen as the 2010 Grand Marshal for the Heritage
Parade which will take place on Saturday, June 5.
The committee received 11 letters or emails from the public nominating 9
individuals for this honor. Charlie Keenan of Owosso nominated this year's
winner.
Charlie wrote "As I look down the list of previous Grand Marshals for the
Curwood Festival the quality of these people, who truly care for their
community, stands out like roses in winter snow. Our community can be proud
of the impressive choices made for Grand Marshal.
This year I would like to nominate Dr. Richard Ball to hold this honored post.
His family goes back more than 100 years in Owosso history. His father, L. Paul Ball, started a jewelry
store and optical practice in the early 1900's. Dick went through elementary and high school in Owosso.
He attended the University of Michigan and Ohio State University, earning his B. S. in Optometry. Dick
returned to Owosso to continue the family optical practice. He has almost 50 years serving our
community in this his health service practice.
He has served as member of the Owosso School Board for 16 years along with serving on many local
boards and a member of many service clubs. He is now completing his last year as State Representative
of the 85th House District of Michigan. Dick will be 78 years old this May and as he is now term-limited,
will be focusing on a retirement full of travel and fun activities with his wife Connie.
Dick Ball has given his all to making Owosso a better place to live."
With the theme of "Fantasy and Fiction," the parade is expected to draw over 30,000 spectators and
parade participants. This year's parade will begin on June 5 at 2:00 p.m. Parade participants will step off
from the corner of Dewey and Main Streets and travel west through downtown finishing at Chipman Street
in West Town.
Directly following the parade, non-monetary awards will be presented in the Entertainment Tent.
Parade entries will be accepted until May 17, 2010. Entry forms can be downloaded on the Festival
website www.curwoodfestival.com under the Applications page. If you would like to volunteer for this or
any other Curwood event, go to http://curwoodfestival.com/2010_volunteer_app.pdf to download a
Volunteer application or contact the festival office at 989-723-2161.
Past honorees
Piper Brewer,2009; George Hoddy,2008; John and Joanne Morovitz,2007; Jim
& Fayenne Storrer-2006, John "Dutch" and Rita Bouwman, 2005; Dr.
Denise Bannan, 2004; James Capitan, 2003; James Oliver Curwood, 2002;
Dale Espich, 2001; Tom Henne, 2000; Ivan Conger, 1999; Monte Sheedlo,
1998; Al and Kay Snell, 1997. Robert "Pudge" Hahn, 1996; Helen
Harrelson, 1995; Gordon Graham, 1994; Bill Phillips, 1993; Robert
Lewis, 1992; Francis "Bus" Spaniola, 1991; Merrill Walker, 1990; Jeri
and Hank Steck, 1989; R.C. Brown, 1987; Clyde LeValley, 1986; Frank
Patee, 1985; James Miner, 1984; Sallysue Gale, 1983; Corky Wilson,
1982; Brad VanPelt, 1981; and Earl Morrall, 1980. |
