CN: May 3, 2017

Page 1

May 3, 2017

A ‘Valley’ of wonders

Around Town Area residents invited to celebrate the 25th Colored Infantry at the “Buffalo Soldiers and Bicycles” event . P.3

Community Voices By Larry Brown. P.2

Business North County Incorporated honors community leaders making a difference in North St. Louis County . P.9

Photo by Kant Miller Phtography

Learn & Play

Pictured on back row from left to right, Candace Herin, Samantha Hayner, Rosy Patrick, Jasmine McCormick, Ana Wisa, Megan Pilla, Taylor Gaw, Heidi Amberg, Morgan Kiel. Picture on front row from left to right, Erin O’Brien, Aly Brown, Sophie Capra, Madison Jones, Sanorah Eldred, Taylor Williams, Victoria Schlajo, and Mallory Sifford

Florissant’s Valley of Flowers Festival celebrates the ‘Wonders of the World’ Since 1963, the Valley of Flowers Festival celebration has been the “first festival of spring” featuring a variety of events, including a superb parade. This three-day celebration has activities for everyone. It includes a flower and plant sale, culturally diverse performances, baseball games, a classic car show, vendor/craft fair, flea market, a pretty baby photo contest, children’s activities and of course, good food. Carnival games and exciting rides are featured at the Duchesne Knights of Columbus Fairgrounds. The official parade on Sunday, May 7 is a highlight of the weekend that leads up to the crowning of the Valley of Flowers Queen and Court at the Duchesne Knights of Columbus Pavilion. This year’s parade will feature more than 100 participants beginning with mobile units departing from the James J. Eagan Center at 1:45 p.m. Decorated vehicles and floats will proceed west on Parker Road to New Florissant Road where youth and walking units, as well as the marching bands will merge. The complete parade will then travel south on New Florissant prior to turning west on rue St. Francois past the official parade reviewing stands, then left on St. Ferdinand, proceeding then to Washington Street and concluding at the Knights of Columbus Fairgrounds. The theme for the 2017 Valley of Flowers Parade is “Wonders of the World” and will feature many floats and units decorated to reflect any of the wonders found throughout

the world. Many city officials and local municipal emergency responder vehicles, the Valley of Flowers reigning queen and court and all seventeen 2017 candidates as well as car clubs, walking units, horse groups, dog clubs, dance schools and scout groups, that make up the fabric of our community, will participate to help create a colorful and fun parade. The Valley of Flowers Committee has selected Dr. Randy Jones of Cross Keys Animal Clinic as the 2017 Valley of Flowers Parade Marshall. Jones is a lifetime resident of Florissant. He graduated from McCluer North High School and the University of Missouri, Columbia Veterinary School. After practicing veterinary medicine in a couple places around the country, he came back to Florissant to work at and eventually buy his father’s animal hospital, Cross Keys Animal Clinic. In 1986 Florissant Police Officer Tom Jost was trying to start a police K-9 unit on a shoestring budget. Jost approached his old high school buddy Jones to see if he might be able to help. Jones said he would gladly help the police department and the city of Florissant by donating all the veterinary care for the working dog. Neither one of them could foresee then how successful the unit would become. Now over 30 years later, Jones still graciously donates his care for the unit which has grown to four dogs. Jones reputation has grown throughout the police canine community and he also cares

for working dogs from around the entire greater St. Louis area. He has become one of the top working dog veterinarians in the region. When the parade concludes at the Knights of Columbus Grounds, the candidates will proceed to the pavilion stage where Florissant Mayor Thomas Schneider will crown the 2017 Valley of Flowers Queen and Court at 4 p.m. Prior to the crowning ceremony, awards will be presented to the various winning parade units and their sponsors, and the Pretty Baby Photo Contest winners. The Valley of Flowers Festival Fairgrounds There will be many activities at the Knights of Columbus Duchesne Council grounds on Washington Street between St. Ferdinand and Lindbergh Blvd. (N. Hwy 67) next to St. Ferdinand Shrine. All weekend enjoy the rides, games, beverages, great food and famous barbeque. On Friday night only, all rides will be one ticket. On Friday, Saturday and Sunday treat yourself to an ice-cold beer from one of our beer trailers or a delicious margarita from the margarita stand. The Knights will serve their delicious barbecue ribs, pork steaks, walking tacos, boneless wings, brats, hot dogs, and hamburgers Friday through Sunday. Other food and game booths, all sponsored by local nonprofit organizations, will offer a variety See ‘VALLEY’ page 5

Serving North & Northwest St. Louis County | FREE Online at mycnews.com | Vol. 96 No. 18 | 636-379-1775

Add a Tex-Mex favorite to your menu. P.11

Movie

Goldie Hawn makes her return in ‘Snatched.’ P.16

Weather FRIDAY Mostly Sunny 65/47 SATURDAY Mostly Sunny 70/49 SUNDAY Mostly Sunny 70/49 FirstWarn Weather

prepared by meteorologist Nick Palisch. For the latest updates visit www.facebook.com/nickswx.


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