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Planting takes place on Saturday
By Rob Alway, Editor-in-Chief
LUDINGTON — The 39th annual planting of the Ludington Petunia Parade will take place Saturday, May 16, beginning at 8 a.m. Organizers continue to seek volunteers and block captains to help with Saturday’s planting and weeding throughout the summer.
On Saturday, approximately 32,000 red, white and blue petunias will be planted along Ludington Avenue and at the city marina.
Organizers said the effort depends heavily on volunteer block captains, who are responsible for overseeing sections of the planting area. The route is divided into 44 blocks, each requiring a captain to coordinate planting on parade day, assist with weeding throughout the summer and help remove the flowers in September.
One of the parade’s biggest hurdles this year is the need for volunteers to weed on the east end of Ludington Avenue in front of the hospital. Historically, Corewell Health Ludington Hospital has maintained the area in front of its property, which spans more than two blocks. This year, parade organizers were informed the Grand Rapids-based hospital will no longer assist.
The Ludington Petunia Parade is a nonprofit organization that operates independently from any governmental entity. It relies on volunteers and donations.
For those who do not wish to be block captains, volunteers to help weed are also needed. This year, the Petunia Parade is launching a SWAT, or Safe Weeding Around Town, squad of volunteers who will weed in various locations throughout the parade route.
On Saturday, volunteers will be treated to doughnut holes furnished by Wesco and delivered by local Boy Scouts.
Those interested in volunteering may contact organizers Mary Lou Ohnsman at 616-866-0374 or Karla Cain at 231-740-3100.
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