Williams holds parade and events against a backdrop of Slide Rock Fire smoke

WILLIAMS – The appearance of Smokey the Bear at the Memorial Day parade in the City of Williams against a backdrop of smoke was a somber reminder of the result of carelessness. The Slide Rock fire in Oak Creek and Woods Canyon fire near Payson are human-caused fires being fought by fire crews who cannot stop to enjoy the festivities.

975 fire fighters are still on the Slide Rock fire which has consumed nearly 11,000 acres and is still only 5% contained. They are fighting with air craft, as well, and are reporting some positive results with air-dropped fire retardants. Winds have died down—as they usually do around this time—which helps the fire fighters.

With them in mind, the City of Williams went on with the annual parade in honor of those who are fighting, have fought and who died doing their duty for their country.

Members of the American Legion Cordova Post #13 carry the colors followed by the Vietnam Veterans Association.

The parade naturally starts with members of the American Legion Cordova Post #13 carrying the flag. They were followed by the Vietnam Veterans Association.

Entries included the Bill Williams Mountain Men, the First Baptist Church and Saint Joseph Catholic Church and the Shriners. Camp Civitan, The Flagstaff Kennel Club K-9 Drill Team entered and the Cancer Society entered a float for breast cancer awareness.

Of course there were classic cars, politicians, first responders from Junipine, Ponderosa and Williams fire departments and Lifeline Ambulance.

After the parade a concert was held at the community stage. The Williams Aquatic Center was opened thanks to the efforts of the Friends of the Williams Aquatic Center including a pool party.

Attractions such as the Zipline and Bearizona were open for business.

The Veterans of Foreign Wars Matthew Broehm post held a fundraising barbeque and sold tickets for their August raffle. They are raffling a Remington Model 870 tactical shotgun to be drawn for during the August Cool-Country Cruise In. Raffle tickets are $5 each or 5 for $20. Only 500 tickets will be sold.