Officials with Lubbock’s 4th on Broadway have announced the parade marshals for this year’s July 4th HEB Parade.
In the spirit of celebrating America’s 250th birthday, the organization has named three parade marshals: Shirley Green, president of the Roots Historical Arts Council; Sarah Weede, commander of VFW Post 2466 and director of the West Texas State Veterans Cemetery; and Raider Red, the beloved Texas Tech mascot.
Katie Sandifer, director of this year’s 4th on Broadway and owner of Stage Left Productions, said each of these individuals represents a unique part of what makes Lubbock special.
“We are honored to recognize these three who embody the spirit, generosity and resilience that define both the community and the nation,” Sandifer said. “As we celebrate 250 years of American independence, there is no better way to mark this milestone than by honoring the individuals whose contributions and character help make our city, and our country, what it is today.”
Who are the parade marshals for Lubbock’s 4th on Broadway?
Green is a lifelong resident of Lubbock and a graduate of Lubbock ISD, Texas Tech University and Wayland Baptist University. She devoted 45 years to public education and remains an active community leader. Shirley is a member of Delta Sigma Theta
Sorority, Inc. and is director of the Roots Historical Arts Council, a nonprofit organization dedicated to preserving history, promoting the arts and serving the community. Through Roots, she helps organize annual events such as the Caprock Jazz Festival and Jazzy Christmas fundraiser. The organization also supports the Booker T. Washington Community Garden, which provides free vegetables to community members and seniors.
In addition, Roots hosts First Friday art trail exhibits at the Caviel Museum, named in honor of the late Billie Caviel. Green’s passion for education, the arts and community service continues to positively impact the lives of others throughout Lubbock.
Weede was born and raised in Lubbock, where a deep love of country, faith, family and service shaped her from an early age. Coming from a patriotic family, she knew she would serve her nation and fulfilled that calling by enlisting in the U.S. Air Force as an Airborne Mission Systems Operator. Over her 10-year career, she held multiple operational and leadership roles, completing several combat deployments and global missions.
After leaving the military, Weede continued her commitment to veterans and their families. She now serves as the inaugural director of the West Texas State Veterans Cemetery, honoring the legacy and sacrifice of Texas Veterans.
A dedicated member of the Veterans of Foreign Wars for more than a decade, she has held leadership roles at the post, district, and state levels. She is currently in her third year as commander of VFW Post 2466, which has earned All-State and All-American honors under her leadership.
Raider Red is Texas Tech University’s fun-loving, high-spirited, costumed mascot. Before the 1971 football season, the Southwest Conference passed a rule restricting the appearance of live animal mascots at out-of-town games.
This new rule left Texas Tech without the famed Masked Rider to represent the university on the road. As a result, Saddle Tramp member Jim Gaspard created the Raider Red character from drawings from Dirk West to represent the university at away football games. Since then, Raider Red has become a public relations ambassador for Texas Tech, gladhanding with the public at athletic events, posing for pictures and representing Red Raiders from coast to coast and around the world.
Since 2005, the Center for Campus Life, the Saddle Tramps and the High Riders have combined efforts in maintaining Raider Red. The students’ identities who serve as Raider Red are kept secret until their year of service is complete.
The marshals will lead the step-off of the HEB Parade at 9:45 a.m. July 4 at Broadway and Ave. M, making its way down Broadway to MLK Blvd.
Visit the 4th on Broadway website for a complete list of events, times and parking information.
Follow 4th on Broadway on social media for updates and announcements.
This article originally appeared on Lubbock Avalanche-Journal: Lubbock’s 4th on Broadway unveils parade marshals for America 250
Reporting by Special for the Avalanche-Journal / Lubbock Avalanche-Journal
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
By Special for the Avalanche-Journal | USA TODAY Network
