Decatur County Special Olympic athletes will serve as grand marshals for the 39th annual Swine Time Festival Parade Saturday, Nov. 30 in Climax.
It will begin at 10 a.m.  Decatur County Special Olympics fundraising and volunteer chairman Jim Beck and Swine Time co-chairman Sarah Dollar talked recently about how honored the Special Olympians are to have the privilege of being the Swine Time parade’s grand marshals.
“They are proud and extremely excited, ” Beck said in describing the special Olympians emotions about being selected to lead the Swine Time parade as grand marshals.
“The special Olympians are hardly able to control their emotions about leading the Swine Time parade as grand marshals,” Dollar added. Swine Time has seen many outstanding individuals as grand marshals in the past, but this year it will be rather unique to have such an inspired, enthusiastic group leading the parade. It should be really exciting.”
“The special Olympians are also very excited about the award winning Bainbridge High School Marching Bearcat Band being in the parade with them. They love their music and really get excited and show a lot of enthusiasm when they hear them play. They also enjoy waving to the spectators along the parade route. It is just a great experience for everybody.
“Decatur County residents really support the special Olympians when they compete in their spring track and field competition at thee Bainbridge High School track and their fall bowling competition at the Langstston Gray Bowling Center. Many volunteers come out to help coordinate their various events.
“They really get excited when they are awarded ribbons for their athletic accomplishments at the track and field competition. The smiles on their faces will really melt your heart and cause you to start looking forward to the next competition.
He said that Decatur County Sheriff Wiley Griffin or some other local law enforcement official annually runs a lap around the track with the special Olympic torch, then lights the special Olympic flame, to officially start the track and field competition.
“It is a truly impressive ceremony for everyone involved,” Beck said.