Grace Lyons to be Labor Day Parade Grand Marshal

Marlborough - Grace Lyons will be Grand Marshal of Marlborough's 56th Annual Labor Day Parade when it steps off at noon Monday Sept. 3.

"Gracie," as she is known in the community, is a long time advocate and supporter of the performing arts in the Metrowest area, Parade Director George Whapham said. Hence the theme for the parade is "The Arts Tell Our Story."

Long recognized as the creative talent behind costume design for theatrical productions in the Metrowest area, Lyons has worked countless hours sewing and mending costumes. She has collected and catalogued hundreds of costumes and props for area thespians. In addition to her work off-stage as a seamstress, Lyons has served as the steward for the Marlborough Cultural Council.

She has also been instrumental in supporting the Marlborough Public Schools Music Association, serving as a chaperone on out-ofstate trips to competitions and making, mending and altering uniforms and performance dress for the music students. Her caring and supportive approach with the youth and young adults in the community has always been one of mutual respect, Whapham said. Lyons has a way of finding a positive attribute in every student she meets and makes a point to specifically compliment that positive attribute, he added.

Lyons has also been a devoted parade committee volunteer, he said. For 26 years she has faithfully reported to the corner of Lincoln and Pleasant to assist in lining up the politicians, invited dignitaries and marching bands on Labor Day morning. She has been a strong and faithful colleague with him, working behind the scenes to produce the parade, Whapham said.

"As we wish Grace happiness and a well deserved respite as she retires to North Carolina, we know that her warm-hearted encouragement and guidance will be missed in the community that she has called home for the past 40 years," Whapham said.

Mayor Romeo Gadbois initiated the Marlborough Labor Day Parade Sept. 3, 1951, as a tradition to boost morale and to focus on making Marlborough "a better place to live."

The Marlborough Labor Day Parade committee invites organizations to join in celebrating "The Arts Tell Our Story." For parade applications contact the city of Marlborough Recreation Department.