From staff reports

Veterans Day in Winston County will be marked by one of the largest Veterans Day parade in years, organizers said.

The Veteran's Day Parade Committee, now in its seventh year of planning this event, has scheduled this year's parade for Saturday, Nov. 11 in downtown Louisville to end at the Winston County Courthouse. Line up is set for 10:30 a.m., and the parade will step off at 11 a.m. Following the parade will be a ceremony honoring the veterans.

As part of the days events, the third annual Stew Stomp will follow the Veterans Day parade and reception

"The Winston County Chamber is very much in tune with our military and it is a natural choice to help provide this parade each year," said Skelton. "The chamber also knows the benefit of bringing others into our community to see what we have to offer and both the parade and Stew Stomp accomplish that goal."

One opportunity for visitors to see and read about the Veterans will be the honor wall that Terry Kelly and Brenda Miles are putting together as part of the committees effort to recognize the local veterans.

Parade organizers ask that veterans who wish to participate in the program gather in front of the Chamber office by 10:30 a.m. in order to march down Main Street to the courthouse and the Winston County War Monument, where the Veteran's Day program will begin.

Following the program, Wal-Mart will sponsor a reception for the veterans and their families. The reception will take place in the courthouse.

To place recognition or information on the Wall of Honor, contact Terry Kelly or Brenda Miles by calling the Winston County Courthouse at 773-3631 or the Chamber of Commerce at 773-3921.

To find out how to get involved in the parade, contact the Chamber at 773-3921.

Stew Stomp

This year's third annual Stew Stomp winner will not only enrich the taste buds of their neighbors but will be awarded $1,000 if chosen the best stew of the day. While second place is not usually the place to be, it will still earn someone $650 with third place receiving $300. Plus all non-winning entrants will receive $100 just for entering and to defray costs of creating the spectacular stews.

But the prize dollars don't end there, this year one group will also be award Best Decorations and Costume and receive $500.

This is not only a chance for churches, schools, fire departments, hunting clubs, civic clubs or just a bunch of friends to win the Best Stew title and bragging rights but also to gain funds while having fun.

Everyone is invited to contact the Winston County Economic Development Partnership and sign up today by calling our Chamber of Commerce at 773-3921.

A glance at the great Third Annual Stew Stomp and Veteran's Day Parade events

Saturday, November 11th

Stomp kicks off at First Methodist Church with Pancake Breakfast and Bazaar

Cooks begin their stews on Main Street as well as decorating their booths (Main Street will be closed to traffic)

11:00 am - Veterans Parade and program at the monument

12:00 pm - Music begins (Jazz group from Southern Mississippi, ECCC performing group, Blue Grass Group) and Main Street Association will cook and serve hamburgers and sell official T-shirt designed by Jacob Lowery. Artists will demonstrate quilting, sculpture, woodworking and much more during the day. A Moonwalk will be provided for the children.

2:00 - Tastings begin

2:30 - Antique Car Parade Sponsored by Lake Tiak O'Khata

3:00 - Awards for Antique Car Show

6:00 - Votes in for Stew Tastings and Decorations

6:30 - Winners announced

7:00 - Santa Fe will play at Lake Tiak O'Khata for Stew Stomp Celebration

Every hour, one $50 gift certificate of Louisville dollars will be given away. People will register in chamber member shops.

The Stew Stomp is presented by the Winston County Economic Development Partnership and sponsored by Temtco/Taylor Group, Louisville Bankers' Association, Rives and Reynolds, Coke, Georgia Pacific, Rush Hospital, and Beck Funeral Home.

The Veteran's Day Parade and Stew Stomp are the first in a series of fall events planned by the Winston County Economic Development Partnership. The Harvest of Homes Open House is set for Nov. 17-18, Early Bird Shopping Nov. 24, Christmas Open House is set for December 1 and 2 and the Christmas Parades in Winston County December 4 and 5.