Applications for Dexter Memorial Day Parade Participants Due May 24

Plans for the Village of Dexter's 68th annual Memorial Day celebration are underway, and officials are seeking community groups to participate in this year's parade.

"We're excited to see the members of the American Legion and the general community come together to celebrate the sacrifices of our men and women in the military," village trustee Donna Fisher said .

Unlike previous years, where virtually any community group could participate, this year the village is limiting the scope of the parade in order to focus the day's events on military veterans.

"One of the biggest complaints we received from veterans over the years is that Memorial Day was becoming too much like another Dexter Daze festival," Fisher said. "We want to refocus the parade as a way to show our support to our veterans."

To that end, the ceremony and parade committee will be reviewing all parade applicants in order to determine if they fit with this year's theme, "A Time to Honor." Permitted entries include veterans organizations and members of the military, the Dexter Area Fire Department and Scio Township Fire Department, local community groups conveying a sense of patriotism, Dexter Community Schools organizations, and government elected officials.

All forms of advertising for services or merchandise, including the distribution of business or campaign fliers, is prohibited.

Registration forms must be submitted in order to participate in the parade. Forms are available on the village's website. The deadline is 3 p.m. May 24.

In addition to the parade, which will take place at 10 a.m. May 28, a special service officiated by the Rev. Larry VanSlambrook of , will be held for military families.

For more information about the Memorial Day parade, call the Dexter Village Offices at 734-426-8303.