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Fourth parade needs theme, marshal By Myles Murphy Ashland Daily Tidings If you think you can equal "Swinging into the new Millennium" or "2001: An Ashland Odyssey" as a slogan for this year's Fourth of July festivities, now's the time to throw your hat in the ring. The Ashland Chamber of Commerce 2003 Fourth of July Committee is looking for a slogan for Independence Day, and is also accepting nominations for a grand marshal for the annual event. "Were just getting started, but it takes time to come up with T-shirt and poster designs," Fourth of July Committee Chair Yolanda Nagel said. "That's why we have to jump on it quickly." The committee held its first meeting this week, already making preparations six months before the big day. Each year the Chamber of Commerce holds a contest for the slogan and considers nominations for grand marshal. The committee votes to determine the winning slogan, which is then used for publicity purposes, including T-shirt and poster design. "Sometimes it's a slogan appropriate for the times, like "Let Freedom Ring" in 2002 after the 9-11 attacks," Nagel said. "What will it be for 2003?" Past slogans include "O, O It's Magic" in 2000," and "Music, Music, Music" in 1998." "I always nominate 'Mardi Gras' for a theme, but they never go for it," Nagel said. "They pick something else and sometimes I think, 'Oh, no, not that one.'" This may be Nagel's last chance to cast her vote as chairperson. After this Fourth of July, she is resigning her volunteer post after 10 years on the committee. "Sometimes it's a really great adrenaline rush," Nagel said. "But it's time for someone else to have some fun." Grand marshal nominations should include the name of person nominated and reasons why he or she would be the best choice. "We usually want someone who's active in service or as a community volunteer," Nagel said. "Some years it's so hard to choose because there are a lot of really good people." Past grand marshals for the Fourth of July parade in Ashland include Julie Reynolds 2002, Dana Welsh in 2001, Steve Groveman, who was honored posthumously in 2000, Rick Nagel in 1999, Brian Almquist in 1998 and Jim Nagel in 1997. "It was terrific being grand marshal, and it was quite an honor to be selected," 1999 honoree Rick Nagel said. "It was a very fun day. We drove in a convertible after the city band, the first car out in front. You go down the parade route and people are yelling and shouting. Of course you throw a little candy out." Submit slogan contest entries or grand marshal nominations to the Ashland Chamber of Commerce by Feb. 1O. Entries can be hand delivered or mailed to the Chamber of Commerce, 110 East Main St., Ashland, or e-mailed to [email protected]. Call 482-3486 for information. LINKS: DAILY TIDINGS: Main | News | Sports | Business | Obituaries | Opinion | Columnists | AP News | Subscribe | Archives | Weather | Classifieds | Contact Us | Privacy REVELS: Main | Calendar | Dining | Movies | T.V. OTHER: Road Cams Copyright 2003 Ashland Daily Tidings 541.482.3456. 1661 Siskiyou Blvd., Ashland, OR 97520. Ottaway Newspapers, Inc. - Advertisers -