Hartshorne Veterans Day Parade draws enthusiastic spectators

Nov. 13—Everything from Verner's Clydesdales to a marching band and a trailer with the McAlester Army Ammunition Plant's Mother of All Bombs participated in the Veterans Day Parade at Hartshorne.

Spectators lined the streets as the parade headed east from Eighth Street down Pennsylvania Avenue to Eleventh Street on Saturday, Nov. 11, for the Veterans Day event.

During the parade, children ran to pick up candy tossed their way by parade participants.

Several veterans traveled the parade route a special way — riding in the back of a wagon pulled by the Verner Family Clydesdales.

Aaron Williams, one of the parade organizers, said he believed the veterans who were in the wagon particularly enjoyed being pulled by the Clydesdales along the parade route.

"The veterans really loved riding in the back of the Verner family red wagon being pulled by the beautiful Clydesdales," Williams said.

"We appreciate this family for the time and effort getting the Clydesdales ready all parades that they're involved in."

Parade organizers announced the winners for the 2023 parade, with first place to be awarded $100; followed by $75 for second place and $50 for third,

The McAlester Peppers Spirit Team worn the first place award.

Second place went to Jones Academy, with the McAlester High School Drum Line winning third place.

Hartshorne's High School Band marched up Pennsylvania Avenue during the parade, delivering a rousing version of John Phillip Sousa's "The Stars and Stripes Forever" as band members made their way along the parade route.

Both the Hartshorne and Haileyville Fire Departments participated. Law enforcement agencies participating in the parade included the cities of Hartshorne, Haileyville, Krebs and Kiowa, along with the Pittsburg County Sheriff's Office and the Oklahoma Highway Patrol.

Another parade is planned for next year and Williams said he's hoping for even more participants at Hartshorne's 2024 Veterans Day Parade.