ASHLAND - Ashland is getting ready for a very special celebration of the Ashland Boys' Association (ABA) on Saturday, which will include a parade and the dedication of a state historical marker recognizing the significance of the organization in the 20th century.
Police Chief Adam J. Bernodin Jr. announced the ABA parade will start at noon at Fifth and Walnut streets and proceed west on Walnut Street to 21st Street, cross over to Centre Street, and then proceed east to the bottom of town at the Mother's Memorial.
The traditional time for previous ABA parades, always held on the Saturday before Labor Day, is at 7 p.m., but due to the marker dedication ceremony, the parade time was changed for the convenience of special guests and the public to attend the ceremony, which will take place at the Mother's Memorial at 3 p.m.
This year's celebration centers on the ABA being recognized with an official marker approved by the Pennsylvania Historical and Museum Commission on Sept. 19, 2012. Adam J. Bernodin III and James Klock, both members of the Ashland Area Historic Preservation Association, submitted an application in 2010 for a marker, but it was rejected. A revised application was submitted early last year. The timing of the approval led to this year's event, which coincides with the 75th anniversary of the Mother's Memorial. The memorial was placed in 1938 and is an ABA project.
The marker will be located at street level in front of the memorial at Hoffman Boulevard and Chestnut Street. The marker post has been installed, with the historical marker to be placed later this week.
No parking signs will be posted on Walnut Street, South 21st Street, Centre Street, Chestnut Street (between Fifth Street and First Street), and all of Hoffman Boulevard. Vehicles are to be moved at 10 a.m.
"The town will be closed at 11 a.m. to traffic as approved by the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation," said Bernodin. "Traffic after 11 a.m. will be routed around the borough by fire police assisting with the parade."
Market Street will be closed from Mi-Jo Pallet Company to First Street and no one will be permitted on the street due to the fireworks set-up.
After the parade, citizens can place their vehicles back on Centre Street and Walnut Street, except from Fifth and Centre streets to Front and Centre street and Hoffman Boulevard.
"We are expecting a large crowd for the event." said Bernodin.
Anyone with questions may contact the Ashland Police Department at 875-2600 or the Schuylkill County non-emergency line at 462-1991.
"Please be considerate so we can all enjoy this memorable occasion," said Bernodin.