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Letter to the editor

Cash-short parade has to cut corners

A 13-year Veterans Day tradition keeps growing and so do the expenses.

By JACKIE RIPLEY, Times Staff Writer
Published November 9, 2007

Town 'N Country 

The annual Veterans Day parade in Town 'N Country will step off as planned Saturday, despite money problems.

"We could use a few thousand dollars more," said parade chairman Brian Boyle.

"But we've put ourselves on a shoestring budget and we're keeping within it."

Town 'N Country has been home to the area's Veterans Day parade for the past 13 years, and each year the event grows.

Last year's parade drew thousands of spectators and 2,400 participants.

But growing participation means bigger expenses, so much so that organizers feared this year's parade might be sidelined. "We have about half the money we had last year," Boyle said.

The parade costs about $9,000 to put on. And because organizers still are a few thousand dollars short, they're cutting some corners this year.

"We got a better deal on insurance this year and we're buying half as many flags," Boyle said.

"We're also cutting back on what we give to schools for cleaning band member uniforms."

Paying for buses to transport band members is another big expense, costing between $200 and $300 per bus.

"As soon as this year's parade is over, we'll already be talking about next year," Boyle said. "But we'll be more aggressive on fundraising next year."

Reach Jackie Ripley at ripley@sptimes.com or at 813 269-5308.

if you go

Sergeant honored

The parade starts at 10 a.m. at Hanley and Barry roads.

This year's Veterans Day parade honoree is Sgt. Bryan Christian Luckey, formerly of Town 'N Country. Sgt. Luckey was killed in Iraq in June 2006.

For more information, call (813) 961-6194.

[Last modified November 8, 2007, 07:30:19]