Island Dispatch, 2000-07-07

              Island DISPATCH Honored Youths page 3 Bora on the 4th page 2 (716)773-7676 Little Steps page 17 56 Years As the Voice of Grand Island Award Winning Newspapers The Official Newspaper of the Town of Grand Island and the Grand Island School District Founded 1944 • Complete Community Coverage 65 c 20 pages JULY 7, 2000 Vol. 56 No. 10 Independence Day Parade Many thanks to the Town of Grand Island Recreation Department for continuing the 31-year tradition of the Grand Island Independence Day Parade on the 4th of July. Grand Island Boulevard never looked so colorful as residents (and non residents) in their red, white and blue waved their flags and clapped their hands for the variety of entertainment that marched, rode, drove or floated along the Boulevard. As promised, the parade was a fun-filled event with something for everyone. Grand Island residents (and non residents) enjoyed floats, color guards, musical performers, baton twirlers, classic automobiles, huskies and more. The Grand Island Fire Co. and those cowboys from Fantasy Island are always a treat, and also, Bill Good of Good Enterprises continued his tradition of a tractor donation for towing all types of floats. The parade also offers the opportunity to shake hands with your local politicians and to notice some of the organizations that are here on Grand Island. Of course, the Grand Island parade wouldn't be the same without Grand Island's own professional DJ. Mike Dallesandro who adds to the excitement and enthusiasm with Ms sure-fire broadcasting at the Reviewing Stand. (See Center Two Pages this Island Dispatch.) If you missed this year's parade, mark your calendar for next year as the tradition continues. SALUTING OUR VETERANS - The message of this parade entrant says it all - a thank you to al! our veterans for our land of freedom. We hope as you enjoyed the past weekend's 4th of July celebration, you remembered those who fought for our nation's independence, (photos by Bruce Gentz) RUNNERS - Two of over 500 runners who ran in the Dick Bessel Independence Day 2.3 mile run. For complete results, see page 12. REUNION WEEKEND ON GRAND ISLAND - Last weekend was a reunion weekend for Grand Island High School graduates. The classes of 1970,1975 and 1980 got together for receptions, golf outings and picnics. Pictured on the new deck at River Oaks are members of the Class of 1970 enjoying their 30 year reunion. Other get-togethers for the class included a mixer at T.C.s Tavern and a golf outing and family picnic at Beaver Island State Park. The class of 1975 also enjoyed an icebreaker at River Oaks as well as a reception at the Buffalo Launch Club. The class of 1980 celebrated their 20 year reunion with mixers at River Oaks and T.C.s, a barbecue at the VFW and a golf outing and family picnic at Beaver Island.