COMMERCE CITY, COLO. (June 4, 2012) – More than 10,000 people lined the streets of Commerce City to remember the sacrifice of Colorado’s military veterans during the 48th annual Memorial Day parade. Three members of the greatest generation – including a member of the Women’s Army Corps – served as grand marshals for the event.
A panel of judges, including School District 27J Board President Joan Kniss, Adams 14 School District Nutritional Manager Cindy Veney and former Commerce City Postmaster Jim Deden evaluated 145 parade entries for their consistency with the parade theme. City Council will present trophies to the following category winners at tonight’s council meeting: • Best Expression of Theme – American Legion Post & Auxiliary Unit 151• Best of Parade – Currie Toles / Gary A. Carstens VFW Post 4444• Most Creative – The Retired Enlisted Association, Chapter #39
In addition, 10 category judges awarded first, second and third place ribbons in 15 categories to the following participants:
Antique cars – individual 1. Domingo Moreno (#146)2. 1st Marine Airway (#123)3. Fred Swanson (#141)
Antique cars – club 1. Mile High Hook & Ladder (#178)2. El Jebel Antique Autos (#214)3. Model “A” Ford Club (#179)
Classic cars – individual 1. Commerce City Historical Society (#148)2. Ron’s Collision and Custom Cars (#194)3. Ruben Moreno (#172)
Classic cars – club 1. El Jebel Vintage Iron (#222)2. El Jebel Potentate (#211)3. Devotions Car Club (#192)
Motorcycle 1. Patriot Guard Riders (#167)2. Adams County Sheriff’s Office (#198)3. El Jebel Noble Cycles (#215)
Unique motorized unit 1. South Adams Fire Department (#177)2. Military Vehicle Collectors (#122)3. Colorado Old Iron Association (#145)
Commercial float 1. Building Our Future (#130)2. Mirage Recovery Service (#169)3. Ronald McDonald (#132)
Non-commercial float 1. Marine Corp League – Frank Carroll (#120)2. American Legion Post (#119)3. VFW Post 4444 – Curie Toles (#114)
Military marching unit 1. 82nd Airborne – Rocky Mountain (#111)2. Foothills Young Marines (#121)3. HQ Air Reserve Personnel (#001)
Band unit 1. Adams City High School (#142)
Musical unit 1. El Jebel Chanters (#220)2. El Jebel Band with Trailer (#224)
Marching/walking unit 1. Diamond Elite All Star (#152)2. UCC Dragons (#143)3. Cheer Stars (#140)
Equestrian – individual 1. Adams County Fair (#204)2. Elbert County Royalty (#206)3. Evergreen Rodeo (#204B)
Equestrian – club 1. Westernaires (#205)2. Adams County Sheriff’s Office (#200)
Unique entry 1. El Jebel Clowns (#219)2. Slingin’ Dirt Ranch (#202)3. Roger White (#174)
“Thank you to all the participants and attendees who made this year’s parade a memorable event,” said Leigh Ann Noell, Commerce City parade coordinator. “We look forward to working with the community and city council to make next year’s parade even better!”
The 49th annual Memorial Day Parade will be held Monday, May 27, 2013.