Erath 4th of July Celebration

2006 Grand Marshal Roland Girouard

            My nomination for 2003 Erath Fourth of July Grand Marshall is Mr. Roland Girouard.  In spite of the fact that Mr. Roland is not an Erath native, he has adopted our town and has worked tirelessly for its betterment. 

            In 1982, a group of Erath residents decided that an organization had to be formed whose sole purpose would be to raise money for the athletic programs in Erath.  The Erath Backers Club was formed with Mr. Roland serving as one of the original board members.  The club needed some way to raise money, and Mr. Roland suggested an annual Barbeque.  The annual Erath Backers Club Barbeque was started in that year with Mr. Roland serving as the event chairman and chief cook.  Mr. Roland served in that position for 20 years, guiding the way for the Barbeque to become the Backer’s Club’s biggest and most successful fundraiser.  Over the years, the Barbeque has made over $75,000 for the children of Erath thanks in part to the efforts of Mr. Roland.  Mr. Roland gave up his title of chairman and chief cook in 2000 due to his battle with emphysema.  However, Mr. Roland is still available to dispense any expert advice and to lend a helping hand before and after the barbeque, and still comes by after the barbequing is done to check on the new chairman and chief cook, his nephew, Shelby Bernard.

            Mr. Roland was also the chairman of the Mass in the Park for the Erath Fourth of July.  Mr. Roland handmade most of the decorations for the stage, and spent many hours preparing the stage for mass.  His decorations and hard work ensured that the stage and altar would be prepared in a fashion that the members of the Fourth of July Association and the people of Erath could be proud of.  Sadly, Mr. Roland also had to give this task up due to emphysema.

            Mr. Roland and his wife Rable were also among the resident artists that painted murals for the Town of Erath Centennial Celebration in 1999.  Their beautiful stamp creations can be seen today on the walls of Erath City Hall.

            I feel that it is only fitting the we bestow the honor of Grand Marshall on Mr. Roland Girouard for all that he has done for this organization and the community of Erath.