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Claire Wetherell named Grand Marshal for 47th AFAD parade
The "grand dame" of Mountain Home, Claire Wetherell, has been selected as this year's Grand Marshal for the 47th Annual Air Force Appreciation Day Parade on Sept. 8.
Wetherell, who served as a nurse in the armed forces during WWII and came to Mountain Home shortly after the war as one of its first medical professionals, has been active throughout her life in community affairs, including Air Force Appreciation Day.
Last year's grand marshal, Diane Farrell, in making the presentation during Monday's regular Chamber of Commerce meeting at Carlos', noted that "she has been involved in everything from local politics to state politics, serving on community boards with interests from building the library to building the hospital."
Wetherell was one of the leaders in getting the hospital built originally, served several terms as a state senator for the area, has served several terms on the library board, and over the years has been a leader for a large number of community organizations and activities.
"She helped found the Business and Professional Women's group," Farrell said, "was the first woman to serve as president of the Chamber of Commerce, and (has been) heavily involved in Air Force Appreciation Day activities over the years.
"It's been said that our grand marshal is like that old saying, when you throw a pebble in the pond, you get ripples. She has created so many positive ripples for this community and the state, it is amazing."
And, Farrell said, "our grand marshal has always had an old-fashioned respect for the events of life. What matters to you, matters to her. She never loses her faith, her sense of humor, or that twinkle in her eye."
It won't be the first time Wetherell has taken part in the parade. As the area's most prominent politician for many years she often rode with the Democratic Party contingent in the parade. But this year, she'll be leading the event.
"After all these years," she said, "I'm flattered. It's truly a very great honor. And to be leading the parade will be something new."
Air Force Appreciation Day is the community's largest event, honoring the men and women of the armed forces and in particular those stationed at Mountain Home AFB.
The event features a corn shucking, commander's social, and fun run the Friday night before AFAD, and then on Saturday the event kicks off with the state's largest parade at 10:30 a.m., followed by a full afternoon of activities in Carl Miller Park, including a free barbecue provided by the Chamber of Commerce's AFAD Committee.
Included in the afternoon activities are drawings for a number of raffle prizes and tickets are now on sale.
This year the prizes include two $500 cash prizes, an Arctic Cat 4-wheel ATV donated by Terry's Truck and RV, camping equipment, a DVD player, a natural gas barbecue, and an 18-volt cordless tool kit donated by Lowes.
Tickets are $1 each or six for $5 and may be obtained at the Chamber of Commerce office, city hall, the Mountain Home News, the Hair Hut, Idaho Independent Bank, La Mode Cleaners, Terry's Truck and RV, and Pioneer Federal Credit Union. They also will be sold in Carl Miller Park the day of AFAD, Sept. 8.
Area organizations and businesses are being encouraged to get their entries for the parade in soon, as the deadline to enter is today at 5 p.m.
Area residents also are encouraged to take part in the Fun Run. Applications are available at the Chamber office.