Weekend includes pet show and parade
BY DAVE BENJAMIN
Staff Writer

JACKSON - Get ready for a busy Memorial Day weekend in Jackson.

"This will be a special Memorial Day weekend," said Vinnie Rubio, weekend coordinator. "Last year's parade was the biggest in Jackson's history and this one will be even bigger."

The weekend will start with a new feature on May 26, a pet show. The pet show will run from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the VFW post on Magnolia Drive. The pet show is sponsored by the Jackson Optimist Club, the VFW and the township. Children and teenagers up to the age of 17 may bring their pets to the show.

Smokey the Bear, McGruff the crime dog, Sparky the fire dog and Stinky the Optimistic skunk will all be on hand. There will be face painting and live wolves will be on display. Township Council members will distribute tree seedlings and Ann Alberta will sing "The Star-Spangled Banner" to start the day.

A Memorial Day parade will be held on May 28. The parade will begin at 10 a.m. at Jackson Memorial High School and follow a route that will lead participants from the high school on Don Connor Boulevard to the Justice Complex off of West Veterans Highway.

The Jackson Police Department will feature the new Quad Squad four-wheel drive vehicles. The Jackson Memorial High School Band, the Air Force Junior ROTC and the Sea Cadets will also participate.

The Air National Guard will be flying helicopters overhead and Rubio said one helicopter will land on the parade grounds. Boy Scouts, Cub Scouts and Girl Scouts are expected to participate, he said.

There will be a police honor guard from the Jackson Police Department, members of the Jackson Fire Depart-ment and veterans representing several organizations. The Jackson Chapter of the Deborah League, members of the Public Works Department, the Knights of Columbus, the American Legion, the Fossils Car Club and the Jackson Optimist Club will also be on hand.

There will be free hot dogs and drinks at the VFW post following the parade.

Rubio said that for any families who have casket flags and would like to bring them wrapped in plastic to the VFW Post before the parade, the flags will be carried in the parade and presented at the end of the parade in a special memorial ceremony. A name, address and telephone number should be attached to the flag case and the flags will be returned after the parade.