Parade helps close out celebration

8/13/2007

Pontiac Daily Leader

Scott Gleeson

CULLOM - One of the biggest parades in the history of this community took place Sunday as a climax to a five-day celebration.

It was 125 years ago when Cullom officially became a town.

Sunday marked the last day of the 125th anniversary in Cullom and the finale of the 60th annual Cullom Junior Fair.

Friday and Saturday were eventful days as animal shows, a magic show, choral singers, a sock-hop dance, a tractor show, a class reunion, pie and livestock auctions, the carnival, bingo and fireworks took place. Hot-air balloons also appeared above the community throughout the weekend.

Sunday morning kicked off with an ecumenical service at St. John Lutheran Church. Pastor Foote and Pastor Thompson officiated the service, which featured the Brown Family Community Choir.

Following the church service was a gathering in the library.

On a scorching hot Sunday afternoon, the main event began in Cullom. The 125th anniversary parade, with 163 entries, kicked off at the park gazebo and traveled through town on Route 116.

The theme of the parade was a salute to the military.

"They have kept America free and Cullom is thankful," announcer Shawn Platz stated to the crowd before the national anthem was played.

Vintage aircraft flew over the town to tip off the parade. Prairie Thistle pipes and drums led the parade with a playing of "Amazing Grace."

Sen. Dan Rutherford, R-Chenoa (53rd District), made an appearance.

"Thank you very much for having me out," Rutherford said to the community.

From local business floats, representatives and local fire trucks to antique tractors, automobiles and other unique entries, the parade displayed a community's pride in the celebration.

"For a small town I thought it worked out pretty good," said Duey Haag, co-chairman of the parade. "I thought it was a success"

Haag said preparing for the parade was a team effort.

"A group got together and hopefully we gave the community a nice parade," he said. "This was a community effort."

Compared to the 100th centennial celebration, Haag said that there weren't as many entries, but the community spirit and cooperation was very similar.

"At the end of it, it was nice to see the crowd and hopefully people had a good time," Haag said.

"It's tradition for the community," Haag added. "We (the community) have been very strong and held together (over the years).

"I hope the next generation follows in our footsteps to keep the tradition going."