Newton and Patricia Chapman to serve as parade grand marshals

Overseeing the activities of this year’s Fourth of July celebration in Onaway will be grand marshals Newton and Patricia Chapman, who will wave to parade spectators Monday from a horse and carriage. The couple has been married for 43 years and of their five children, four still live in the area and their 16 grandchildren keep them busy this time of year.

GRANDMA AND grandpa have split their time to see as many games as possible. If there were a game in Rogers City, Patricia would travel across the county, while Newt might be at another field in another town. They’ve attended more than 14 games this season.

The Chapmans have been active with Onaway Area Little League for many years.

Newt is a familiar face to the many people he served while with the Post Office for 33 years. While he sorted letters, Patricia provided support on the home front as a stay-ay-home mom. Newt has been activie with several organizations over the years.

He was president of the Black Lake Sportsmens Club, and served with the Onaway Lions and Goodfellows. He also was an Onaway Fire Department volunteer firefighter for 15 years.

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HAPMAN SAID his family has been involved in building 35 floats for the Fourth of July parade over the years.

“I’ve always been involved,” he said. He still was surprised when the couple learned of the honor. The Chapmans spearheaded the duck races for many years, which has raised thousands of dollars, and were involved again this year when the event returned.

Chapman remains a history buff and has accumulated a lot of historical information on Onaway over the years.

The Chapmans have found their place in history as first-time grand marshals of this year’s parade. Last year’s grand marshals were Pat Pregitzer and Dorothy Goetz.