Milton parade committee names Charlie Fleetwood as grand marshal

The committee for the Sixth Annual Milton St. Patrick’s Day Parade has named Charlie Fleetwood as this year’s grand marshal. Since moving here in 1979, Fleetwood and his wife Barbara have been very active in the Milton Chamber of Commerce. He served two years each as board director, secretary and vice president. He spent 10 years as chamber president. Fleetwood is also heavily involved with the concerts in the park.

“I first tried the concerts as chamber president on Sunday evenings and it did not work,” said Fleetwood. “People stayed away in droves. Then my arm was twisted by members of the park committee - Joyce Hooper, Pauline Wilson and Jane Clark - to try again on another night. I approached businesses for donations to sponsor bands. The first year there were maybe six concerts, and they were well attended. Since then it has been on a weekly basis from mid-May to the first week of September. Local businesses and civic groups still sponsor all the concerts. For the first time this year, the Delaware Division of the Arts is a sponsor, thanks to the Milton Community Foundation.”

Fleetwood has also been involved in the Milton Historical Society, Friends of the Milton Public Library and the Milton Town Council.

“When selecting our grand marshal, we look for someone who really cares about our community, someone who strives to improve our community. Mr. Fleetwood has proven to be that person time and time again,” said Maryellen Kiernan, parade committee member. “When I asked him what he loved most about Milton, he told me it was the quaint historic charm, and of course, the townspeople.” In his spare time Fleetwood enjoys fishing.

The Sixth Annual Milton St. Patrick’s Day parade will be held at 2 p.m., Sunday, March 10, following the inaugural Lucky Leprechaun 5K. For more information on the race or the parade call 302-684-8889.