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Parade and BBQ draw large crowds to AFAD
The 2-hour parade went smoothly, the free barbecue and party in Carl Miller Park was enjoyed by thousands, and overall the 47th annual Air Force Appreciation Day celebration was considered a huge success by organizers.
With the barbecue feeding 5,000 and at least 10,000 people lining the streets for the parade led by Grand Marshal Claire Wetherell or cramming into Carl Miller Park, the bright, sunny day was filled with activities for young and old.
The 366th Fighter Wing's new commander, James S. Browne (call sign "Dude"), described the event honoring the men and women who work for him "amazing, just amazing."
It had been a busy 24 hours for Browne, who was handed the flag to the wing Friday morning, attended the corn shucking and presided over the Commander's Social in Carl Miller Park Friday night, and then helped lead the parade Saturday morning.
Under bright, sunny skies and comfortable temperatures, the crowd turnout was excellent, parade organizers said.
"It was a fabulous day," said Sue Gross, who directs the parade for the Chamber's Air Force Appreciation Day Committee.
The day was filled with winners.
The Mountain Home Football team float took first place in the People's Choice award for parade entries, followed by the 366th Medical Group in second place and the Wal-mart float in third place. Those honors were voted upon by citizens following the parade.
Other parade category winners, selected by a panel of judges during the parade, included:
Judges' Choice (overall winner) -- Johnson Brothers Hospitality.
Animal -- 1st, Mountain Home Youth Ag for Elmore County (Optimist); 2nd, Los Arrieros Charros Association; 3rd, University of Idaho Elmore County Extension 4-H.
Commercial I -- 1st, Quey's Maze; 2nd, Mason Electric; 3rd, Country Nails and Tanning.
Commercial II -- 1st, Johnson Brothers Hospitality; 2nd, Pioneer Federal Credit Union; 3rd, Tri-West Health Care Alliance.
Classic Vehicle -- 1st, 390th Fighter Squadron "Wild Boars"; 2nd, Mountain Home Fire Department and Streetwalkers; 3rd, 366th Security Forces "Gunslingers."
Organizations -- 1st, Sleekit Beastie Bagpipe Band; 2nd, Royal Order of Purple Gems; 3rd, Idaho Motorcycle Club.
Religious -- 1st, Faith Lutheran Church; 2nd, Grace Lutheran Church; 3rd, Christian and Baptist Church.
Service -- 1st, Elmore County Tin Lizzies; 2nd, American Legion Color Guard Post No. 26; 3rd, Mekanix.
Youth -- 1st, MHAFB Child Development Center; 2nd, MHHS Band; 3rd, Special Olympics World Winter Games.
Throughout the afternoon raffle drawings were held for a number of items. The raffle winners were:
Tim Standish -- 900cc Arctic Cat 4-wheeler donated by Terry's Truck and RV.
Jo Durfee --$500 cash.
Dean Gronden -- $500 cash.
Betty Whitman -- Natural gas grill donated by Intermountain Gas.
Russell Aulbach -- Hampton Inn Suites spa suite package.
John Cristobal, Jr. -- 18-volt cordless combo tool kit donated by Lowe's.
Jen Swenson -- DVD player.
Loren Hatch -- Camping equipment.
All parade and raffle winners can pick up their plaques and prizes at the Chamber of Commerce office (587-4334).
Complete results of the Friday night AFAD Fun Run/Walk can be found on Page B-2 of today's edition.
A complete set of parade photos can be found on the Mountain Home News website by the end of the week.