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Miss America Heather French Henry will be the Grand Marshall at
Sunday’s annual Christmas Parade.
No stranger to the small-town lifestyle, Henry said she is excited
to come be a part of the parade and to re-visit Owenton. She was
here about a year ago and spoke to the Chamber of Commerce. She
also remembers singing at a church here when she was young.
“The people (here) are lovely,” she said. “I
always feel welcome.”
Henry was crowned Miss America in 2000. She has worked to raise
awareness of issues facing veterans and is currently the executive
director of the Heather French Foundation for Veterans, Inc. She
has had numerous speaking engagements and has made appearances
on Oprah, CNN and the televised broadcast of the Macy’s
Thanksgiving Day Parade.
The wife of former Lt. Gov. Steve Henry, she has two daughters,
ages 3 and 5. She said they are always excited to be a part of
parades.
“The girls love riding and waving,” she said.
The theme of this year’s parade is “Homeward Bound
at Christmas” and focuses on going home for the holidays.
Planning began on the parade during the summer.
County Extension Agent for Family & Consumer Science Judy
Hetterman said Henry was asked to participate after speaking at
the professional day for the Chamber because everyone enjoyed
her visit.
The parade begins at 3:30 p.m. and runs through downtown Owenton.
Businesses and craft vendors will have an open house at the Odd
Fellows Lodge and there will be a number of floats in the parade.
Boy and Girl Scout Troops will be a part of the parade, as well
as horses, a Shriner’s clown, old tractors, the Kentucky
Roadrunners and more. The floats will be judged in three separate
categories: church, business and civic. There will also be a grand
champion chosen.
In addition to a number of door prizes, there will be prizes for
the first-, second- and third-place float winner. First place
will receive $100, second will receive $75 and third place will
receive $50.
The parade will be followed by a community worship service at
the courthouse. The service begins at 5 p.m. and is presented
by the Owen County Ministerial Association.
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