By JAMES MITCHELL
Sunday Times Newspapers
LINCOLN PARK — Plans to bring a Memorial Day parade back to Lincoln Park’s downtown continue with float construction and fundraising efforts to restore a lost city tradition.
A group of residents spearheaded by Chris Dardzinski have been planning and preparing for a May 19 parade to begin at 10 a.m. and roll through downtown.
Dardzinski, chairman of the parade committee, said current plans include a military ceremony and city float that he has been constructing and will present as a gift to the city.
“I want the city to have a permanent float to use in Memorial Day parades for the next 20 years,” Dardzinski said.
Funding for the parade, floats and other related projects has been boosted by efforts including a February spaghetti dinner at VFW Post 552, 1125 Fort St., and a bowling fundraiser scheduled to start at 9:30 p.m. Thursday at Belmar Lanes, 4035 Fort St. For $20 guests will get three games, shoe rental, pizza and pop.
On May 3, the VFW will host a trivia night contest, with proceeds from the $20 admission fee going to the parade. Participants are invited to bring a team or join others; for information contact Pat Kush at 734-285-7310.
Dardzinski said volunteers are still needed, as are donations of materials or additional fundraisers.
Dardzinski also is collecting testimonials from Lincoln Park residents in honor of loved ones who paid the ultimate sacrifice in combat. Dardzinski said the testimonials will be placed in a time capsule that will sit on the float during the parade and be buried at Memorial Park.
For more information contact Dardzinski at 734-775-2267, or go to the parade web site, www.lpmdparade.webs.com.
(James Mitchell can be reached at [email protected])