With the Fourth of July three weeks away the Greater Newton Area Chamber of Commerce has chosen the Grand Marshal for the 2017 parade.
“We had some amazing nominations this year, I was extremely overwhelmed by the number and quality of nominations we received,” Amanda Price, executive director said.
The board of directors for the chamber read through all of the nominations and takes into account not only the quality of the nomination, but also the dedication of the nominee in their service to the community and/or their country.
The chamber has selected Dave Ratliff as this year’s Fourth of July Parade Grand Marshal.
Emma Morris penned the nomination letter in honor of Ratliff.
She wrote, “I would like to nominate Dave Ratliff for the Fourth of July Grand Marshal. I feel David should be grand marshal because he has a love for the town of Newton like I have never seen. David may have Down Syndrome but it doesn’t hold him back. David works at the Newton Clinic and he is an active member in the Aktion Club and the Izaak Walton League. He has helped cook at the Izaak Walton League for many events. David is a very active member of the community supporting all good causes. When Christmas time arrives you can most likely find David standing next to his dear friend Steve Knight watching the joy of the courthouse lights come on. You can find him at most games cheering on the Newton Cardinals! He is a big fan of all sports and is a true Newton Cardinal supporter. I work with David and I can honestly say everyone he meets he brings a light into their lives. His sense of humor alone will keep you on your toes. I truly believe David makes Newton a better place because of his positive attitude and his love for the town and the Newton Cardinals. This is a way we can give back to David because I think he would truly be honored to be a part of the Newton Fourth of July parade.”
The chamber would like to thank all of you who submitted nominations for this year’s grand marshal.
Home Run Derby
As well as announcing the grand marshal, the chamber would also like to announce it has added an new afternoon activity to the Fourth of July festivities. It will be hosting a “Home Run Derby.”
The derby will take place at Agnes Patterson Park at the girl’s lower, north softball fields. Registration will start at 1 p.m., and will close at 1:45 p.m. This is a fun, free event for all ages and skill levels. The chamber asks that all participants bring a helmet and a glove. Bats will be provided for each age group. Age groups will start at 5 years old and go up to 36 and older.
There will be medals awarded for first, second and third place in each age category as well as prizes for the first place finisher in each age category. Pre-registration is encouraged and the registration form can be found at www.experiencenewton.com or stop in to the Chamber office, 113 First Ave. W. You can also find our event on the Newton Chamber Facebook page, with the link to our registration form.
There will also be food vendors starting at 2 p.m. at the park, as well as the “kid’s zone” area starting at 2 p.m. For questions about the home run derby, contact Matt Holmes at 641-840-2416 or by email at: mholmes@magnumautonewton.com.