I was at the very first Main Street Festival back in 1981 as an 8-year-old kid, stopping at a crowded Keller’s News Stand for a cold Orange Crush before continuing up the full length of Laurel’s most storied street.
And while I haven’t been to all of them in the years since, I’ve been to many. But this year’s will certainly be a first for me—I actually get to ride in the parade!
Not only that, but I get to ride in a bonafide classic that epitomizes the Lost Laurel spirit—a cherry red 1956 Chevrolet Bel Air convertible owned and driven by Mike Templeton!
Mike Templeton and family leading the 2014 Laurel 4th of July parade
Mike’s ’56 Chevy is no stranger to the big show; it lead the festivities at last year’s 4th of July parade, as well. Looking ahead, you’ll also be able to see it and other local hot wheels at the Sons of the American Legion Car Show & Family Event on August 8th, which Mike is organizing. I’ll share more details on that event as the date draws near.
But for now, I’m really looking forward to experiencing the Main Street Festival from a whole different vantage point, and hope to see lots of you out there filling the street! Laurel’s 35th Annual Main Street Festival is just two weeks from today: Saturday, May 9th, 2015. The parade begins promptly at 9AM.
I want to give a big thanks to Mike for the invitation, to Pete Lewnes for the idea, and to the Laurel Board of Trade for making it happen. Please join us for what’s always a fun and memorable parade!
(P.S.: I’ll need some of you to kindly take and share photos, please!) 🙂
Lost Laurel 