Brought to you by WBIW News and Network Indiana
Last updated on Wednesday, June 15, 2016
(BEDFORD) - This year’s theme of the Limestone Heritage Parade is “Indiana - 200 Great Years.” The Grand Marshal is Judy Elliott and honorary Grand Marshal The Bedford Chamber of Commerce, who is celebrating 100 years of service.
Elliott has been defying stereotypes as long as she can remember and certainly since she and her late husband, Dave, founded Elliott Stone Company near Bedford in 1957. From buying slabs of limestone to acquiring quarries to inventing equipment that makes it possible to harvest stone underground year-round, Elliott has been a hands-on partner.
At age 84, Elliott still scampers in and out of her massive pickup truck with ease as she gives a tour of the unusual underground Elliott quarry. She can describe every piece of equipment, where it came from, what it cost, and every quarrying technique and product involving the company.
Elliott Stone Company now owns 1,000 acres of limestone-laced property in Lawrence and Monroe counties, specializing in the versatile Salem limestone that was used in the Washington National Cathedral, the Lincoln Memorial, the Empire State Building, Rockefeller Center, and the Tribune Tower.
Born Judith Ellen Turner in Bloomington in 1932, Elliott graduated from Indiana University in 1954 with a teaching degree in business and physical education.
She was president of Delta Delta Delta sorority and the Association of Women Students, a member of Mortar Board and several other student groups, and an all-around athlete who later in life would win the Bedford Ladies City Championship golf tournament.
When her husband died in 2009, official control of the business was turned over to the couple's four children, but Elliott remains a visible and active presence.
The Bedford County Chamber of Commerce was organized in 1986 to involve and unify the local business community with the goal to enhance and promote continuous improvement of the business climate in our region. It will be celebrating 100 years of service this year.
A highlight of this year's Limestone Heritage Festival will be the Lawrence County Bicentennial Float.
The float is being designed by Mitchell Art teacher Becky Mason and will make its first appearance at the Limestone Heritage Festival on July 4.
The float will be available for other county parades including the Mitchell Persimmon Festival parade on Sept. 24 and the Bedford Festival of Lights Christmas Parade on Saturday, Dec. 3.
A welcome ceremony will begin at 11:15 a.m. with Lisa Grissom, parade chairwoman welcoming those attending, a flag raising ceremony, a call to colors by Roger Gales, JoAnna Kai Cobb singing the National Anthem and Mayor Shawna Girgis presenting the grand marshal award and the honorary grand marshal award.
The following streets will be closed for the Parade Line Up Formation which begins on Monday, July 4th at 9 a.m.:
Parade entries are being accepted through June 23. Entry forms and rules for floats can be picked up at the Bedford Chamber or the Lawrence County Tourism Office, downloaded from www.bedfordinparades.com, www.downtownbedford.org or by request by emailing bedfordparades@hotmail.com.
2016 Limestone Heritage Festival Bedford Revitalization Inc. Event Schedule
Monday, June 27th
Free TASC Bus service by calling 812-275-1633 to RSVP
Tuesday, June 28th
Free TASC Bus service by calling 812-275-1633 to RSVP
Friday, July 1
Tickets: $10/person; ages 6-12 - $6; 5 & under free
BBQ at The Quarry
Saturday, July 2
BBQ at the Quarry
Sunday, July 3
Monday, July 4
Contacts
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