Andrews – After a year of planning, organizers are nearing the final stages for the “Welcome Home – A Tribute to Veterans” event, which is scheduled for Saturday, Oct. 31.
The overall event has three parts – a parade through downtown Andrews starting at 9:30 a.m., plus an event and stand-down/resource fair at nearby Western Carolina Regional Airport from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.
“Things are coming together,” organizer John Bandy said to those gathered to help plan the event on the morning of Sept. 30. Ivie Funeral Home is primary sponsor of the event.
John Giddens, Cherokee County Veterans Services officer, shared how he saw the parade operating, based on last year’s parade and what had been discussed for this year. An active Marine, Tony Jensen, will be carrying the American flag.
For the event at the airport, Capt. Reid Woody of Dobbins Air Reserve Base discussed his flyover plans. Because of coronavirus restrictions, he said he would not be able to do a static display at the event.
Airport manager Gayland Trull said he was narrowing down plans to display at least four historical planes from a Peachtree City, Ga., vintage aircraft business. He would like to get a B-52, but the cost for fuel would be $3,800 since it would be coming from Florida.
“If I can get enough donations to get that bomber here, I’d really love to do that,” Trull said.
Giddens said the stand-down/resource fair had veteran service organizations from five counties setting up booths, plus several other organizations like NCWorks, Legal Aid and senior centers in Cherokee, Clay and Graham counties. They were still collecting donations of items.
“If there’s one veteran that’s served, we’re successful,” he said.
Also expected throughout the day are the Color Guard, Boy Scouts, local entertainers, drill team and drum performances.
Andrews Mayor James Reid was in charge of coordinating the parade aspect of the event. Reid said he had every intention of going to the meeting, but on that morning he was spending time with a sick child, who was more important.
“I want it to be a great day for veterans,” Reid said Thursday. “I am willing to help.”
After the meeting, the directors of the Andrews and Cherokee County chambers of commerce reached out to Reid and offered to jointly take over coordinating the parade. Reid shared with them all the information and contacts he had already gathered for it.
“He was really grateful and appreciative,” Sherry Raines, executive director of the county chamber, said of the teamwork.
For details about the parade, call the Cherokee County Chamber of Commerce at 837-2242. Forms will be available on the Andrews Chamber of Commerce’s website, visitAndrewsNC.com.