Summerfest arrives this week!!

When the Braidwood Lions Summerfest Hometown Proud Parade steps off this Sunday, Rich Bieda will lead the way as this year’s Grand Marshal.

The members of the Lions presented Bieda with a certificate last week commemorating the event.

“It is our great pleasure to extend the honor of Grand Marshal, to lead our 42nd Annual Braidwood Lions Club Summerfest Hometown Proud Parade, to our friend and dedicated volunteer Rich Bieda,” the Lions posted to their Facebook page announcing Bieda as this year’s honoree. “Rich was selected for his dedication and service to our community and residents as well as our club. Rich is a very active volunteer in the community donating his time and talents to not only our club, but other organizations as well including the Braidwood Park District and the Braidwood Community Care Center, just to name a few. Anyone who has ever attended one of our club’s community events has probably run into Rich at one point or another. While he is not a member of our club, he is one of our most dedicated volunteers and has made a huge impact on our organization which in turn helps us to make a greater impact on the communities we so proudly serve.”

Bieda was formally presented with the honor by Summerfest Chairman Josh Bolatto and former Festival Chairman Wayne Saltzman.

He will be accompanied by his wife Ellen during the parade. The annual Hometown Proud Parade steps off at Main and Mitchell Streets at 1 p.m. on Sunday, July 16.