JAY — Local veterans organizations and auxiliaries will hold Memorial Day wreath-laying services Monday, May 25, at war memorials in Fayette, Livermore and Livermore Falls.

Jay VFW Post 3335, American Veterans Post 33, American Legion Post 10 and their auxiliaries will participate in the observances, which include color guards, wreath laying, prayers and firing squad honors at each location.

All veterans, public service departments and community members are invited to attend the ceremonies.

The scheduled events include:

• 7:20 a.m. at the Fayette War Memorial, 2589 Main St., near the Fayette Town Office.

• 7:45 a.m. at the Livermore Brettuns War Memorial at Route 4/Federal Road and Church Street.

• 8:10 a.m. at the Livermore Falls Memorial Bridge, where Route 4 crosses the Androscoggin River.

• 10 a.m. community parade, with the color guard and firing squad presenting honors at Jay War Memorial Square, Richardson Cemetery and Union Park.

• Noon chicken barbecue at VFW Post 3335; dine-in and take-out. Reservations are required by May 22 by calling 897-5112.

Additional parade details released by organizers include 25 participating groups and entries for this year’s Memorial Day parade, which is scheduled to step off from MEMCO on Main Street in Jay at 10 a.m. Monday, May 25, before ending at Union Park in Livermore Falls.

Organizers said the parade will feature police cruisers, the Civil Air Patrol Squadron, VFW marching groups, the Spruce Mountain School Band and Grand Marshal John Dube. Other entries include the “Miss Poppy” vehicle, the “Remember and Honor Float,” four Scouts of America groups, a Barrel Train float, pageant queens, Bloom Academy of Dance performers, the American Legion float and horses from the Midcoast Maine Equestrian Team.

The parade will also include a procession of 10 classic vehicles escorting veterans led by the Androscoggin County Sheriff’s Office, followed by local fire and rescue teams. Food trucks and vendors are expected near the Central Plaza area during the event.

According to VFW Post Commander Abbie Dodgins and incoming Commander Mike Ouellette, organizers changed the order of memorial visits this year “to maximize time and accommodate other days activities.” They also noted the organizations continue limiting the number of memorials visited because of declining participation among veterans.

“Times are approximate and could vary slightly, earlier or later, based on travel and traffic delays while traveling to each memorial location,” VFW Memorial Chairman Jim Manter said in a news release. “However, we will begin promptly at each location, when the honors’ teams arrive, so we ask the community and public to please be patient, and flexible in our timing and schedule.”

Manter added that many of the same volunteers participating in the honors teams are also helping prepare for the community parade and annual chicken barbecue.

“This year will also be a community parade,” Manter said. “We’re excited to be part of this community event.”

The VFW’s traditional chicken barbecue will be held at noon. The meal includes a half chicken, macaroni salad, chips and a homemade cookie for a $16 donation.

“Again, this year, this BBQ is huge in our fundraising efforts, and traditionally is our largest benefit of the year,” BBQ Foreman Rob Pelchat said.

Pelchat said proceeds help support scholarships, donations and assistance for local citizens and community members. He also noted this year’s barbecue will include “a touch of wood roasting, for unique flavoring from the traditional BBQ pit.”

Chicken supplies and indoor seating are limited. Preorders are required by Friday, May 22, by calling 897-5112 and indicating whether meals will be drive-thru or dine-in. Indoor dining and beverage service for members and guests will be available by reservation only when placing the a chicken order.

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