The Missouri Day Festival Parade scheduled for Saturday, October 20th in Trenton already has 60 entries, with entries being accepted for another THREE months. None of those early entries are bands or military. The focus of the 2012 parade is to "honor National Guard soldiers" who recently returned from duty overseas. All National Guard units from across Missouri have been invited to participate.

The parade theme will be "The Sounds of Freedom - A Tribute to the Military". Members of the Parade Committee have said they anticipate this being the largest parade in Trenton's history.

Miniature flags will be placed along the parade route, with flags paid from donations. Contributions can be made by contacting Parade Co-Chair Steve Maxey.

Maxey and the other co-chair, Rick Klinginsmith, gave an update on the parade during Thursday afternoon's meeting of the Trenton Rotary Club. Trenton Community Developer Ralph Boots, who has been involved with public safety efforts for the parade, also spoke.

Maxey said several politicians have indicated their desire to participate in the parade. Political entries will be charged $50.00 to help defray the cost of the parade.

The Rotary Club, which is coordinating the parade, will have a pancake feed the morning of the event, planned in a tent at the Adams Park Apartments complex.

On another topic, the Rotary Club will host an exchange student from Germany this year. The families of Mark Urich and Phil Hoffman will serve as "host" residences. Additional host homes are being sought. People interested in being a host are asked to contact Kristi Urich.