Operation Celebration - The 1940s planned years ago
By SHANE MARLER
Event chairman
Plans are in the works for an unprecedented two-day festival in 2008. "Operation Celebration — The 1940s" is a Peabody Main Street Association endeavor to celebrate Marion County servicemen. It will take place during Memorial Day weekend, a traditional time for families and classes to meet in Peabody for reunions.
Tentatively, the event will kick off May 24, and hopefully include Doyle Creek Farmers Market exhibiting "Victory Garden" produce and ration-recipe baked goods.
The farmers market will be followed by a large-scale parade in downtown Peabody. Featuring World War II-era military vehicles, pre-war cars and trucks, local color guard, floats with Marion County WWII veterans, alumni classes, and much more, it promises to be a parade like none before.
Following the parade, there will be a military vehicle and pre-war car show in Santa Fe Park and war-era planes will give a "simulated dog fighting" presentation.
Many downtown displays are being planned, including: WWII newsreels, WWII memorabilia, a special tribute to Peabody veterans and their widows, "Kansas and the Home Front" display, recognition of the Peabody POW camp, and much more.
Evening activities will include a USO troupe performance and an evening concert featuring the swinging sounds of the big band era. Festival attendees and alumni are encouraged to enjoy a fine dining experience under the big tent while enjoying their favorite WWII big band tunes. A donation wine bar promises to add to the ambiance.
The evening will end with an old-fashioned patriotic fireworks display.
A breakfast will start Sunday's events — biscuits and gravy 1940s style — followed by a "community church service" with participation from all Peabody churches.
An enjoyable lunch and concert will follow the service, featuring Nouveau Quintette. They entertained many Peabody folks during the 4th of July weekend several years ago, and if you were there you know they are not to be missed.
We are excited about this Memorial Day weekend event and hope to share it with as many of you as possible.
We'd love for alumni to participate while in town for the weekend and we would encourage you to coordinate your plans with Operation Celebration in mind. Please feel free to pre-register your group for the dinner and big band on Saturday evening and the luncheon on Sunday.
If you would be interested in underwriting an Operation Celebration event in honor of a veteran or loved one, please contact: Kristen Hooper, Peabody Main Street Association, (620) 983-2174. We hope you will celebrate with us!
