“Valley residents and guests, I welcome you to the Village of Bellville to celebrate Liberty!,” said Bellville Mayor Darrell E. Banks. Bellville held its Liberty Fest Parade Thursday, July 4 at 11 a.m. The 2013 Liberty Fest was sponsored by the Sons of the American Legion Post 535, the American Legion Post 535 and the Village of Bellville.
Mayor Banks greeted the crowd for the celebration. Main Street was filled end to end with residents and guests awaiting the day’s events. Master of Ceremonies Ed “Spanky” Van Houten, Jr. of Post 535 took the stand with a handshake from Banks. The Clear Fork High School marching band played the National Anthem.
The crowd cheered, cameras and flags were raised, and the parade began. Among those featured in the parade were the Bellville Police Department, Clear Fork Marching Princesses, Worthington Township Fire Department, Richland County Fire Department and the crowd favorite, the Clear Fork High School marching band.
As fire trucks and tractors, classic cars and ponies paraded by, flags and patriotism soared. So did the candy that was thrown by parade participants.
Bernie Hollar, a resident of Bellville and owner of Stoodt’s Market was honored as Grand Marshall. Hollar, who bought Stoodt’s Market in 1989 and was an officer in the Jefferson Fire Department, was thanked by Banks for the time and talent he had given to Clear Fork valley. “I commend the Sons of the American Legion for a great choice for our Grand Marshal,” Banks stated.
Best color guard went to AMVETS Auxillary 43, Best marching unit went to Marching Princesses, Best antique vehicle was awarded to a 1948 Windsor, the Grand Marshal award went to Box Car Unit Mansfield 4018 and the Mayor’s Award went to the Clear Fork High School marching band.
“Liberty promotes hope! Liberty supports a strong economy. Liberty is earned, it is defended and if it is to remain alive, it must be cherished. Let us celebrate our liberty, let us pass our liberty on to future generations of Americans,” said Banks to close the festivities. As the crowd dispersed, family and friends wished one another well.
