SHAMOKIN - A subcommittee consisting of people connected to the Fifth Ward of the city has been formed to organize a grand parade next year in celebration of Shamokin's 150th anniversary.
Committee member Bill Dudeck, of South Shamokin Street, is seeking volunteers to assist with the parade at 2 p.m. Friday, July 5.
Dudeck said the subcommittee is working with the main 150th anniversary committee that is planning special events to mark the historic occasion.
He said $10 tickets are being sold for a chance to win a white, automatic 2014 Camaro convertible from B&L Chevrolet-Buick in Coal Township. The winner of the car will not be responsible for sales tax, title work or transfer fees. Dudeck said B&L is providing a discount on the car.
Less than 7,000 tickets will be sold to purchase the car and sponsor the parade. Dudeck said the goal is to generate approximately $35,000 for the parade.
A drawing will be held in front of Shamokin-Coal Township Public Library at 10 a.m. on parade day. The winner of the car will serve as grand marshal for the parade.
Dudeck came up with the idea to have "Fifth Warders" organize the parade so city officials and main committee members could concentrate on other festivities being held to commemorate the city's 150th anniversary.
"The most expensive and time-consuming event in the celebration will be a grand parade," Dudeck said in a recent letter issued to residents of the Fifth Ward. "We are forming a committee to plan and finance the parade as a birthday gift to the city."
He added, "We do not think small up here in the Fifth Ward. Current and former residents of the Fifth Ward and friends of the Fifth Ward are undertaking this task. The tickets will make a great Christmas gift or stocking stuffer."
Dudeck said plans call for the parade to start at Shamokin and Willow streets in the Fifth Ward.
He said approximately 40 people attended the initial subcommittee meeting Nov. 17 at the Shamokin Knights of Columbus. He said additional meetings will be conducted after the holidays.
He encouraged his fellow "Fifth Warders" and those with connections to the Fifth Ward to participate in the project.
"It will be great fun," he said. "Fifth Warders" were always unique and united behind many causes and celebrations in the past. Now is the time to do it again bigger and better than ever."
For more information or to purchase tickets, contact Vanessa Dudeck at 570-863-8410 or Marian Edmondson at 570-648-5813.