JAY – A group gathered at the VFW on Feb. 5 to start making plans for the Independence Day parade. Chaired by Andre Ouellette, the planning team tossed around strategies and discussed action items and challenges for the 2007 parade.

Participants are being sought in three arenas: vendors of foods and crafts, musicians and floats/marchers/bikers. Area businesses, churches, libraries, civic organizations and schools are invited to enter floats. Monetary prizes will be given for first-, second- and third-place floats.

Local musicians are encouraged to apply and are asked to provide a sample of their work on CD or cassette. Marching bands have been in short supply at the parade and are especially welcome, said planners.

The team has received quotes in the $1,000 range for marching bands. Anyone with fundraising expertise and commitment is asked to help.

Contact Ouellette at 897-3673 to participate – with a donation, a commitment to have a float, fundraising assistance, to provide music or to sign on as a vendor. The next meeting will be held at 6:30 p.m. Monday, Feb. 26, at the VFW.