MR.AND MRS. JAMES MARLOW LaVina Marlow and her husband, James B. "Buddy" Marlow, Sr., who passed away on October 17 of this year, have been selected as the grand marshals of the 2008 Lincolnton Holiday Parade, which will be held Saturday, December 6, beginning at 4:30 p.m.

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

In order to select the grand marshal(s) 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 winning essay was written by one of the Marlows' sons, James B. Marlow, Jr. It is reprinted here in its entirety:

"I have the great honor and pleasure of nominating Buddy and LaVina Marlow as grand marshals of the 2008 Lincolnton Holiday Parade.

"They have deeply touched the lives of so many people in Lincolnton and Lincoln County. They have dedicated their lives to helping others in every possible way. They have worked tirelessly to make our community a better place.

"LaVina has served our community in many, many ways. She has shared her love and her unique kindness with everyone she has encountered.

"She is a pillar of our community and Lincolnton Baptist Church. She has been a Sunday School teacher, a Mission Friends leader, a choir member, and a circle member. She has been a dynamic part of Lincolnton Baptist Church since she was a young girl.

"LaVina has touched the lives of everyone who knows her. She has served as a Cub Scout leader, vice president of the Lincoln County Historical Society, and as a member of the PTA as well as countless boards and committees.

"She has also hosted or co-hosted thousands of teas, parties, showers, and other events in support of others and has lovingly crocheted enough of her 'Baby Tams' to cover the heads of half the children in Lincolnton.

"She is a wonderful mother and friend.

"LaVina recently retired from her work with the United States Army Corps of Engineers.

" She is a graduate of Lincolnton High School and a former cheerleader.

"Buddy has likewise served in so many ways - - as mayor of Lincolnton; as chairman of the deacons at Lincolnton Baptist Church; as past master of the Lincolnton Masonic Lodge; as president of a number of organizations, including the Georgia Municipal Association's 10th District, the Jaycees, and the Lincoln County Historical Society; and as a member of the board of directors for the CSRA Regional Development Center

"In addition, he was the cub master of Cub Scout Pack 23, the scout master of Boy Scout Troop 23, and a recipient of the Boy Scout Silver Beaver Award.

"Buddy is also a member of the Cattlemen's Association and American Legion Post 194 and a past member of the Lincolnton-Lincoln County Fire Department/Rescue Squad. He has volunteered to participate in almost every group and function for the past 50 years.

"He is a wonderful father and friend."

"Buddy is a graduate of Lincolnton High School and a veteran of the United States Navy.

"LaVina and Buddy Marlow are people of great integrity, faith, and courage. They have loved and served Lincolnton and Lincoln County with great distinction, and we should honor them by making them the grand marshals of this year's parade."

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

Past grand marshals include Lonnie Martin, Bruce Beggs, Mary Glaze, Emma Smith, Joe Otis "Mr. Bud" Hawes, Murray and Mickey Norman, Coach Thomas Bunch, Welcome Mason, Frances Prater, Willie Harris, Ben Ross, and A.H. Wengrow.