Congratulations To Joe Watson!
HONORING THE RED FLANNEL FESTIVAL GRAND MARSHALS!
Each year, the Red Flannel Festival Board of Directors solicits nominations from the entire community for the prestigious title of “Grand Marshal” of the Red Flannel Festival.
These exemplary Cedar Springs citizens are chosen based on their commitment and volunteerism to the community, as well as their volunteerism and support of the Red Flannel Festival.
“This truly is one of the highest honors bestowed in our community,” said Curt Tackmann, former Red Flannel Board Secretary. “Each year, we are overwhelmed by the number of nominations and are excited to present this award to these most deserving candidates.”
The Grand Marshal presides over the entire Festival, attending several key events and presiding over the Grand Parade. Congratulations to the 2012 Grand Marshal, Joe Watson Sr.
RED FLANNEL FESTIVAL NAMES JOE WATSON, SR. 2012 GRAND MARSHAL
The Red Flannel Festival Board of Directors proudly named Cedar Springs resident Joe Watson, Sr. as the 2012 Grand Marshal for the 73rd Annual Celebration, to be held on Saturday, October 6, 2012.
“The Festival is extremely proud and thankful for the many years of Mr. Watson’s outstanding dedication to the entire Cedar Springs community,” said Michele Tracy-Andres, President of the Festival. “His outstanding community service in several organizations is very impressive and exactly what we look for in a Red Flannel Festival Grand Marshal. It’s very obvious Joe loves Cedar Springs and especially the Red Flannel Festival! The Red Flannel Town is a better place because of Joe’s involvement.”
W
atson has been a leader in the community, volunteering his time to several organizations coaching youth sports and was one of the founding members of the Cedar Springs Athletic Association (created for youth athletics) prior to the formation of the Athletic Boosters. He supported the Festival for many years with his dedicated service as a Keystone Kop and Grand Parade Organizer.
Mr. Watson and his wife Florence will reign over the two weekends of the 15th oldest Festival in the state of Michigan, sharing the Red Flannel warmth of our community to visitors and residents.
Previous Red Flannel Festival Grand Marshals
2012 – Joe Watson Sr.
2011 – Gary Gust 
2010 – Fred & Carollee Gunnell
2009 – Robert (Bob) Hoover
2008 – Sue Harrison
2007 – Gerald Hall
2006 – George and SandyWaite
2005 – Sally Grannis Grayvold
2004 – Leon Avery
2003 – HerbWelch
2002 – Patricia Capek
2001 – Linda Hunt
2000 –Mike & Alice Holton
1999 – Mayor RonnyMerlington
1998 – Joe Sagorski
1997 – Dorothy Bishop
1996 – Don & June Mabie, Tom & Claudia Mabie
1995 – Niels and Edna Andersen
1994 – Russell Durst
1993 – Mr. & Mrs. E.L. Phelps
1992 – Jack & Marge Clark
1991 – Steve Horowitz & Sharon Pawlowski
1990 – John & Florence Coady
1989 – John Coady
1988 – Mae Oppenneer & SallyWall (makers of first RF garments)
1987 – AndreMetzger
1986 – Vernon Eldred
1985 – Lt. Colonel Matt Urban
1984 – Nina Babcock (Original Clipper Girl)
1983 – Emery Monroe
