Over 10,000 Honor Colorado Veterans at State’s Largest Parade

three entries receive “best of” trophies for celebrating theme

COMMERCE CITY, COLO. – More than 10,000 people lined the streets of Commerce City to remember the sacrifice of Colorado’s military veterans during the 47th annual Memorial Day Parade on Monday. A family of four generations served as grand marshals while Frank Nakagawa, one of the parade founders, was honored in a special ceremony prior to the event by the Commerce City Historical Society.

A panel of judges, including 27J Superintendent Rod Blunck, Adams 14 School Board President Jeannette Lewis and former Commerce City Postmaster Jim Deden evaluated nearly 130 parade entries, awarding trophies in the following categories:

· Best Expression of Theme: American Legion Post & Auxiliary Unit 151 (Entrant #123)

· Best of Parade: VFW Post 4444 – Currie Toles/Gary A Carstens (Entrant #118)

· Most Creative: Marine Corps League – Frank J. Carroll Detachment (Entrant #125)

Mayor Paul Natale delivered the trophies to the participants following the parade. Twelve category judges awarded first, second and third-place ribbons in 15 categories:

Category

Entrant Ranking, Entry No.

Antique Cars – Individual

1. Snyder Ranch, LLC (#157)

Antique Cars – Club

1. El Jebel Antique Auto (#193)

2. Model “A” Ford Club of Colorado (#169)

Classic Cars – Individual

1. Commerce City Historical Society Car (#174)

2. Fred Swanson (#168)

3. Adams County Republicans Classic Car (#164)

Classic Cars – Club

1. El Jebel Iron Patrol (#202)

2. Devotions – Cars (#172)

3. El Jebel Cad-linc (#199)

Motorcycle

1. 9/11 Freedom Rally (#159)

2. Adams County Sheriff Department (#178)

3. Patriot Guard Riders (#161)

Unique Motorized Unit

1. Colorado Old Iron Association (#144)

2. Military Vehicle Collectors of Colorado (#127)

3. El Jebel Leaping Lena (#208)

Commercial Float

1. Ronald McDonald (#139)

Non-Commercial Float

1. American Legion 151 (#123)

2. VFW 4444 (#118)

3. Bustos Memorial Fund (#134)

Band Unit

1. Adams City High School

Military Marching Unit


1. Headquarters Air Reserve Personnel Center Honor Guard (#001)

2. Adams City JROTC (#101)

3. 82nd Airborne – Rocky Mountain (#114)

Musical Unit

1. El Jebel Pipe Band (#197)

2. El Jebel Band with Trailer (#204)

Marching/Walking Unit

1. Cub Scout Pack 883 (#149)

2. UCC Dragons (#140)

3. Retired Enlisted Marching Chapter 39 (#121)

Unique Entry

1. El Jebel Clowns (#200)

2. Devotions – Bikes (#171)

3. El Jebel Keystone Kops (#198)

“Thank you to all the participants and attendees who made this year’s parade a memorable event,” said Commerce City Parade Coordinator Leigh Ann Noell. “We look forward to working with the community and council members to make next year’s parade even better.”

Next year’s parade will be held Monday, May 28, 2012.