It is a go! The annual Linesville Area Chamber of Commerce Parade, the kickoff to the Ducks Unlimited Weekend in September, in jeopardy earlier this month, is officially on!

When word got out that the Linesville Chamber had voted not to sponsor a parade this year, reaction was swift and positive. Several major donations poured in, including an anonymous gift which in and of itself was pretty much enough to cover the costs of the parade.

We were pleased and surprised, indicated Ginny Headley, Chamber president, at the response and that the parade is on.

The Chamber, citing a lack of funds to cover the costs of the parade had decided at their early May meeting not to have the parade though they worried about the impact on the town as the parade, as noted earlier was what really kicked off the annual Pymatuning Waterfowl Ducks Unlimited event.

The DU event would have gone on, parade or no, as most of the DU activities are centered at the local high school. The parade brought visitors into downtown and to the local businesses who have many wares to offer from automotive to dining and unique gifts.. The Chamber has also invited other vendors to setup in the downtown area and add to the overall event

There has been a parade since the inception of the DU event, the 2010 the 29th year.

Headley and two others had told the Linesville Borough Council at council’s recent meeting that the Chamber had decided, due to lack of funds, not to sponsor a parade, but as noted once that word got out, enough donations came in to cover parade expenses.

The Chamber reps attended the borough council meeting to ask council’s help in keeping Regent Park mowed this summer, citing limited manpower and funds. The Park is privately owned but the Chamber oversees care.