Allentown ready to parade on Memorial Day

53rd parade could be biggest one yet

By: Purvi Desai
   ALLENTOWN — The 53rd Allentown Memorial Day Parade could be the biggest one yet.
   "It’s the biggest and best Memorial Day parade in central — if not all — of New Jersey," said Richard Switlik, member of the Allentown Lions Club, which organizes the parade. "It captures the small-town feel."
   Mr. Switlik said there are 50 groups in the parade, including a half-dozen musical groups (featuring the Ancient Order of Hibernians Bagpipe Band and the Shamrock & Thistle Bagpipe Band.
   Other bands included in the parade are the famous Allentown Red Bird Marching Band US1 Country and Western Band and Jerry Rife’s Rhythm Kings, he said.
   There will be floats, clowns, antique cars, livestock and various Boy and Girl Scouts, according to the parade participant list.
   "The Future Farmers of America bring a float," he said. "We’re never quite sure what the individual groups will bring."
   "There is no food in the parade, and no stands," Mr. Switlik said, adding that according to tradition any kind commercialization is discouraged.
   He said the parade honors those who sacrificed their lives for the country.
   "We don’t allow any commercialization or active campaigning or politicking in it," he said.
   The parade, which kicks off on Main Street near Allen Drive at 10 a.m. on Memorial Day, also caters to Allentown’s surrounding towns, such as Upper Freehold and Millstone, he said.
   Elizabeth Poinsett, 64, of South Main Street, has been selected to be the grand marshal of the Allentown Memorial Day Parade this year.
   "The Lions Club actually makes the selection and we had several candidates. The time and amount of community service pointed to Betsy," Mr. Switlik said.
   Ms. Poinsett said she has lived in Allentown since 1973, and is employed by the state as a program development specialist in the Division of Medical Assistance and Health Services.
   According a statement by the Lions Club, Ms. Poinsett is widely known for her enthusiasm and dedication to the common good of the community."
   She has previously served on: Allentown Planning and Zoning Board of Adjustment, Allentown Environmental Commission, The Allentown-Upper Freehold Historical Society, Allentown Historic and Review Commission and the Monmouth County Historical Commission.
   She said she still is a member of Crosswicks/Doctors Creek Greenway Regional Planning Group, which is looking into how it can improve the environment in those areas, and of the Friends of the Old Yellow Meeting House.
   Ms. Poinsett received the Jefferson Award in 2002, a national award given to individuals who have shown extraordinary generosity by giving their time and talents for the betterment of the community.
   "I am honored to be selected to participate in this wonderful event," said Ms. Poinsett on Monday, adding that she has attended almost all of the Allentown Memorial Day parades.
   Ms. Poinsett said that although she is enthusiastic about being grand marshal, she is a little disappointed that she won’t be present this year for a brunch she puts out for Lions Club members on her front porch, as she will be busy participating in the parade.
   "Years ago, I had decided to put some brunch on my porch, so that the Lions Club volunteers could come and grab something before the parade," she said. "That has ballooned significantly, where I have friends who come over on the day of the parades with muffins and smoked salmon."
   "The Lions Club has donated so much time over the years to this event," she said. "In this day and age where volunteerism has waned significantly, it is to be commended."
   Some changes to traffic will occur just prior to the start of the parade and all access along Main Street to the staging area will be blocked except from Interstate 195 at Exit 8, Route 539 South.
   Local fire and first aid vehicles will be staged on both sides of Main Street and, in order to make it easier for the marching bands to be heard, emergency vehicles operators are requested not to use their sirens or horns during the event, according the organizers.
   At the end of the parade, the VIPs at the head of the parade will get out at the Presbyterian Church porch as a reviewing stand, and then proceed across the street to the elementary school which has an Allentown and UF War Memorial Marker," Mr. Switlik said.
   "We ask that people take the time to come to the memorial service because that’s what it’s all about," Mr. Switlik said.
   The memorial service, held immediately following the parade, will be led by Bob Peppler, resident and the master of ceremonies for the memorial service.
   "We have a local clergy who will give a short address for memorial service," he said. There will be a presentation of flowers to the memorial and to all veterans who sacrificed their lives during service, he said.
   "We’re there to honor all those that have served our country," Mr. Peppler said. "I think we should turn our hearts to every sacrifice made, not just through death, for the country."
   "It is a day we all look forward to," he said. "I believe the parade gets better each year."
   
The parade route begins on North Main Street (Route 524) near Allen Drive, heading south on Main Street through town and turning left on High Street (Route 539) to the elementary school. The Memorial Day service will be held near the front of the elementary school.