WAYLAND CHAMBER ANNOUNCES ROGER & MARY JANE MERREN AS GRAND MARSHALS FOR THE 2023 CHAMBER CHRISTMAS PARADE
The Wayland Area Chamber of Commerce proudly announces Roger and Mary Jane Merren of Wayland as the Grand Marshals of the 2023 Chamber Christmas Parade.
“The Chamber of Commerce is honored to annually select the Grand Marshals to lead the 45th Annual Chamber Christmas Parade started in 1978. Mr. and Mrs. Merren are longtime residents of Wayland and true pillars in our community. We couldn’t be more excited to have the Merrens as our grand marshals,” stated Denise Behm, Chamber Executive Director. The Merrens are best known for their humble servanthood attitude and willingness to serve their community.
Their journey as Mr. & Mrs. Roger Merren began 55 years ago when they were wed. Both are 1967 graduates of Wayland High School. Roger retired from Harding’s Market in Wayland after 48 years while Mary Jane is a former Wayland business owner, including owning Wayland Variety & Fashion Zone Store in the 1980’s and 1990’s. Roger is currently serving, and has been for 50 years, a faithful firefighter for the Wayland Fire Department. He was also selected as a Wayland Alumni Hall of Famer, coached Little League baseball and has worked the chains at home football games for 32 years. Mary Jane served as the Science Curriculum Coordinator for Wayland Union Elementary Schools, served on the Wayland Union Education Foundation, and was also selected as a Wayland Alumni Hall of Famer. In addition, Mary Jane helped initiate the Neighborhood Watch Group in her neighborhood, coached Little League softball and has been a devoted board member to numerous boards throughout the years.
The Merrens have three children, ten grandchildren and one great-grandchild.
It is the chamber’s honor to have this year’s Grand Marshals as Roger and Mary Jane Merren. Please look for Mr. & Mrs. Merren leading our Christmas Parade on Saturday, December 2nd at 11:00am in downtown Wayland. For additional information on the parade, chamber, or chamber benefits, please contact Denise Behm, Chamber Executive Director, at denise@waylandchamber.org or 269.792.9246.
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