It is less than a week away, and the activity surrounding the Ironton-Lawrence County Memorial Day Parade is reaching a fever pitch.

The parade committee met last night to review last-minute preparations not only for the parade, but also

for the various events leading up to it.

Committee members are asking people not to park on the parade route the day of the parade. Parade commander Frank McCown said the parking issue is not only a logistics concern, but a safety concern as well.

"We really appreciate the public's cooperation in not parking on the parade route," McCown said.

"Some of the units are so wide that a vehicle parked on the route could cause problems. Also, having cars on the route blocks the view for people who come to see the parade."

The parade route begins at Sixth and Center streets, turns onto Third Street and continues southward to Quincy Street. After a right turn on Quincy, the parade will continue to Sixth Street and back to Center Street.

A new entry this year, South Point Mayor Bill Gaskin has arranged for a float for all public officials who choose not to walk the parade route, but still want to take part in it. Public officials could include school board members, township trustees, county and municipal officials.

The parade will begin at 10 a.m. Monday.

THE SCHEDULE

Past Grand Marshal's Dinner at Ironton Elks, 6:30 p.m. tonight

Navy Night at Center Street Landing, 7 p.m. Thursday

Flag decorating at Woodland Cemetery, 8:30-9 a.m. Friday

Veterans service at Woodland Cemetery, 2 p.m. Sunday

Memorial Day 5K run, beginning at the Liebert Corp., 8 a.m. Monday

Memorial Day Parade, 10 a.m. Monday