Thursday, Sept. 6, 2007

Get in line! Metzger has been directing the Jefferson County 4-H parade for over 30 years

by Sara Peterson-Davis

Gerry Metzger isn’t sure if it’s been 30 or 35 years ago that she took over organizing the Jefferson County 4-H parade, but she is sure of one thing since she did.

“It’s always been my thing,” said Metzger, as she left the community room at the Kendall State Bank to make sure everyone was in their place an hour before the parade began.

Before the parade, Metzger marched up and down Maple Street passing the corner in front of Valley Ag two dozen times directing the 70-plus entrants in this year’s parade, answering questions and making sure that everything went off as it should.

Every once in a while, someone called out with a comment about the evening’s oppressive heat.

“Why didn’t you order cooler weather,” a woman calls out from a float.

“I try every year,” Metzger returned with a laugh.

Metzger started organizing the parade when there was some question whether the parade would continue at all. Over the years, others took over the job when she couldn’t. But she always took the job back again when she was able.

“I did it for the 4-H kids,” she said. “I was worried that it wouldn’t happen if I didn’t.”

Metzger’s work begins in April when letters go out calling for interested groups and organizations to sign up for the parade. Although the letters go out nearly four months before the event, it almost always comes down to the last minute.

“Usually the last day they all call,” Metzger said, who woke up the morning of the parade to the sound of a ringing telephone. “So when they called this morning, I said just come on and you’ll be at the end.”

Metzger stopped in her track when she saw a vehicle covered with balloons.

“Now I know that doesn’t belong there,” she said, as she heads down the street toward it.

Standing in the driveway of Valley Ag, Mike Martin smiled and watched Metzger whiz past on her way to take care of the problem.

“She always gets them in line,” Martin said. “It’s been screwed up in the past but she always gets it straightened up.”

After a few more adjustments in the line up, Metzger gave the go ahead.

“OK guys! We’re ready! We’re going to start it,” she called.

As the floats, cars and tractors went past, Metzger waved at each one and called out thanks to them for coming out to support the event.

So what does Metzger do once the last horse clomps down the street, the judges’ votes are tallied and the winning parade entries are announced?

If you guessed collapse into bed, you’d be way off.

“I go to the fairgrounds and play bingo.”