Letter: Thank you, Newport!

I would like to say a heartfelt thank you to the entire city of Newport, as well as all who attended the Newport Loyalty Days Parade and the events surrounding this amazing event for the local community. With both the parade entrants as well as those watching through the rain and heavy mist — a persistent part of the parade — fun was had by all.

Thank you to the volunteers who worked hard to bring the parade and surrounding events to a successful conclusion. From the search and rescue team (who did an amazing job of managing and directing the line-up of parade entrants) to the police and National Guard men and women who provided the security and safety for all (managing intersections and preserving the route) all the volunteers did outstanding work.

The parade closed Highway 101 from Walmart on the north side to Highway 20. The Newport Public Works Department was diligent in getting the signs up early and the barricades up at the beginning and down at the end. Thank you for the help, it was great.

Many people don’t understand all the work that it takes for a successful 90-plus-entry parade, but I do. I have seen it firsthand and would like to thank the committee members who worked hard on all aspects. From the celebration on Friday night that honored our princesses through the Saturday events featuring the parade and the open house at the American Legion as well as at the National Guard Armory, fun was had by all.

Mary Buck, President

Loyalty Days Association and Sea Fair Festival Committee