Located less than 20 miles southwest of Mount Rainier, the small town of Mineral offers scenic views of the stratovolcano along with kayaking, boating and fishing on Mineral Lake.
And while the Mineral Lions Club does host many events throughout the year from fishing derby’s to the town’s annual Fourth of July fireworks show, no parade has been held there for two years, according to Mineral resident Michele Gronzo.
“The last one we had was so great, and everybody said, ‘Well, why don’t you do it?’” Gronzo said. “So I got sucked into (organizing) it. My friend, Pam and I, and Mike Gordon, are doing the footwork … it’s a small grassroots effort.”
Mineral’s 2024 Labor Day parade will take place at 2 p.m. on Saturday, Aug. 31. Gronzo and her fellow organizers are still registering entrants.
Entrants will gather at 1 p.m. at the Neighborhood Christian Center at 127 Mineral Road N. When the parade begins, it will head south on Dixie Avenue, turning east on West Front Street and proceeding down Front Street towards the Mineral Lake Lions Den Campground.
Currently, parade participants include the Lewis County Sheriff’s Office along with other county representatives, Washington State Patrol troopers, the U.S. Forest Service and Smokey the Bear, the Morton School District and several locals will be driving antique automobiles.
And while it won’t be able to participate in the parade, Gronzo added the Arbor Health Morton Hospital has donated money for candy to throw out and face painting supplies for children attending the parade.
“It’s going to be as big or as small as whoever shows up,” Gronzo added. “... It’s not going to be the Rose Bowl parade, but it’s something fun to get the community together, out of their homes and talking to their friends so we’re not all separated.”
Along with the parade, Gronzo added Mineral resident Bobbie Johnson will be having a bake sale with all proceeds going toward the Neighborhood Christian Center’s backpack program providing school supplies to local children.
“She’s giving up her time to make sure this can happen,” Gronzo added.
Small American flags will also be handed out to parade attendees. Gronzo said they are working on getting free popcorn for attendees as well.
Those in Lewis County interested in participating in the parade can contact Gronzo to find out how to become an entrant by calling her at 360-492-5436 or emailing her at mgronzo14@gmail.com.
