MARY GLAZE Mary Glaze has been selected as the grand marshal of the 2005 Lincolnton Holiday Parade which will be held Saturday, November 19, beginning at 4 p.m.

Sponsored annually by the Lincolnton Lincoln County Chamber of Commerce, the parade is part of the Holidays in Olde Lincoln Towne Festival which will include a community Thanksgiving service, Pioneer Day at the Lincoln County Historical Park, Breakfast With Our Legislators, and more.

In order to select the grand marshal for the parade, the chamber of commerce sponsored an essay contest in which local residents answered the question, “Who should be the grand marshal of the Lincolnton Holiday Parade and why?”

This year’s essay was written by Shannon Cox. It is reprinted here in its entirety:

“One of the most well-known and loved places in Lincoln County is the Milky Way Freeze Bar. People come from near and far for their delicious milkshakes and banana splits!

“One of the highlights of visiting the Milky Way is seeing the smiling face of Mary Glaze. Mary has something to say to everyone who enters the building. Always upbeat and full of laughter and jokes, Mary adds such a pleasant touch to the atmosphere.

“I remember as a child going to the “Tastee Freeze” (as it was affectionately called back then) back when the building was located where Hardee’s currently stands. You could always see Mary inside, making sure each order was done just right.

“Many times, Mary knows exactly what I want and how I want it before I tell her. And she makes my chocolate milkshakes just right — only one drop of chocolate.

“Through the changes and the relocation of the Milky Way, one thing has always been constant: Mary Glaze.

“In a world where negativism abounds, it’s like a breath of fresh air to be around someone so positive and cheerful. I feel that Mary is very deserving of an award such as the grand marshal of the Lincolnton Holiday Parade. The world needs more people like her!”

As grand marshal of the Holiday Parade, Glaze will be further recognized at the annual chamber of commerce banquet in January.

Past grand marshals have included Emma Smith, Joe Otis “Mr. Bud” Hawes, Murray and Mickey Norman, Coach Thomas Bunch, Welcome Mason, Frances Prater, Willie Harris, and Ben Ross.