The 134th annual Ironton-Lawrence County Memorial Day Parade just may go down in the record books.

This year’s event will have more floats, more bands and more military participation than any parade in recent memory, according to parade members. And, the entries are still coming in.

&uot;We have nine bands this year,&uot; committee member Jim Adkins said. &uot;Normally we only have about five bands. We have three purple heart units, army reserve units from Kentucky we’ve never had before. This tickles me to death.&uot;

Sound of West Virginia, a drum and bugle corps, has asked to be in this year’s parade. They have never taken part before.

There will be at least 30 floats in this year's parade, according to committee member Connie Adkins.

Committee member Ron Bundy said three years ago, there were only five floats that were judged for awards. Last year, there were 24 floats in the parade.

While the deadline for submitting an entry form came and went on May 10, committee members say people are still calling and wanting to take part.

&uot;I think this is going to be the biggest one ever,&uot; Connie Adkins said.

&uot;I’m so pleased with people’s participation,&uot; Grand Marshal Sue Lunsford agreed.

Previous parades were considered large with only 10 or 15 floats.

This year, the Ponderosa Steakhouse chain is sending a float from Columbus. This is one of several new entries.

Adkins said he thinks the events on September 11, 2001 have stirred people’s patriotism, and people are showing their pride in their country by getting involved in the parade.

The past grand marshal’s dinner is this evening. Lunsford said 40 people have made reservations for the event. Teresa Moore/The Ironton Tribune