(Exira) Floyd and Gloria Hackwell will lead the Exira 4th of July Parade, with a special tribute also planned for Exira-EHK graduates.
The Exira Community Club made the selection for Grand Marshal and Junior Grand Marshal of their 4th of July Parade this week. Abby Rasmussen says there were several good recommendations, but the Hackwell’s stood out. “They’ve been life long farmers in the area, they owned and ran a pizza place on Main Street here in the early ’80’s. They’ve been big supporters of our athletic department and extra curricular activities with the school. They’ve been on the school board. Floyd is veteran. They are both very active in the Exira Christian Church. They help with congregate meals and are members of our community club.”
Floyd and Gloria Hackwell raised five children and have many grandchildren living in the area. Their daughter, Lisa Burmeister, submitted the nomination. The 40 graduates in the Exira-EHK Class of 2020 will serve as Junior Grand Marshals. “We just thought with all the uncertainty that’s gone through their year. It didn’t go as they probably envisioned. We thought with all the ups and downs these last few months, give them some extra recognition. We just hope it’s something that will be a positive memory this year to try and overcome all the negative ones they’ve experienced.”
Graduates wishing to attend will be spread out on fire trucks at the head of the parade. Rasmussen sheds light on the decision to hold the parade this year. “It was a really tough decision. A lot of us on the board lost sleep over this decision. We tried to exhaust all avenues on which route to go. We feel we’ve made a pretty good decision at this point. Obviously it could still change if things change with the virus. At this point we just hope everybody respects everyone’s space. We want to give people something to look forward to.”
This is Exira’s 155th 4th of July Celebration. Mellisa Schlater Wolbers came up with this year’s theme which is “Our roots run deep.”
