CEDAR CREEK LAKE–Nancy and Mark Ball have been organizing a Memorial Day Parade and hot dog cookout in their Key Ranch neighborhood of Marimac for the past eight years. I would say it’s a golf cart parade but participants arrive in four-wheelers, side by sides, slingshots, antique cars, motorcycles or “any other modes of transportation you deem fit for the occasion.” Decorated with every form of red, white and blue décor imaginable, whistles, cowbells and other noisemakers are also encouraged. “As a kickoff to summer on the lake, we like to take this time to join with our neighbors in honoring our veterans and to recognize and remember those who paid the ultimate price for our freedom,” says Nancy. They say they are proud Americans and are eager to share their patriotism with others and especially children. 
“Our event is completely non-profit as no money is collected for the event,” explains Nancy. Food, services and even music are donated. The parade lasts about one hour following a route marked by posters at street corners. Along the route, participants stop the parade at Veterans homes where they are presented a small token such as an American flag, given a salute and a hug and shake their hands. They are truly welcomed and recognized. “It’s very emotional,” says Mark. Nancy and Mark say that in the past they have had as many as 70 golf carts participating and they have served as many as 200 hot dogs at the cookout that follows the parade. In 2021, the couple says they handed out over 50 door prizes at the cookout and collect clothing and household items for homeless veterans. 
After the parade route everyone returns to the Ball’s property and enjoys a cookout and Veterans who attend are introduced and honored. This year Retired Air Force Brigadier General Mike Smith attended and shared stories  with guests. Smith addressed the crowd, “1.2 million have died for us to have Memorial Day.” 
Its not just the neighborhood that gets involved, local businesses do too. Local businesses that donate gift cards or items to be used as door prizes during the event are given recognition on social media. The Ball’s also recommend to parade participants that they patronage the businesses involved. This year the businesses that generously donated to the neighborhood parade were Slap N’ Good BBQ, Brookshires, Hollands Pit Stop, Buy Lo Automotive, What’z Up, Tavi’s, El Rinconcito, Jalopy Joe’s, Funky Junk, T & T Liquidators, Catfish Corner, Tri-County Ford, Salon Euphoria and Spa, Hat Creek Karaoke, Sugar Acres Fruit Stand and Groom and Son’s. Mr. Wiggly’s fireworks stand also provides fireworks for the event. 
The Ball’s claim this ninth year will be their last year to organize the event but talking to me about the event and seeing the work put into it anyone can see that they truly love doing the parade and seeing the emotion on the Veteran’s faces. The 64 vehicle parade was surely something to behold and fun to be apart of. I guess we’ll just have to see what happens in 2023. 
Regardless, thank you Nancy and Mark for creating such a meaningful event to honor those lost and to recognize those still here.