Kim Carter, longtime owner of Kim’s Garage in Winslow, will be the grand marshal of the Winslow Family 4th of July Celebration next month.
“I was honored, that’s for sure,” Carter said Wednesday morning. “It’s quite a position.”
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As owner of Kim’s Garage since 1973, Carter is a fixture in the community, according to event chairman Kevin Douglass.
“He knows the true meaning of being a local company and supporting the community,” Douglass said. “Every time we need a truck he sends one over and never charges. He’ll loan us a flatbed, he will donate for our auctions.”
Carter, who is a lifelong Winslow resident, said he enjoys the camaraderie and community support the annual event provides.
“It puts on one heck of a show for Winslow and the neighboring towns,” Carter said. “People from all over the state come to it. It’s enjoyment for everybody. They do a lot for the community, so I feel if they need some help, I’ll give it to them.”
Winslow Family 4th of July Celebration committee members nominate candidates for the grand marshal honor. From there, they vote on who should represent the town, and one name that kept popping up this year was Carter’s, Douglass said.
“This year we are going with a communal Fourth of July atmosphere, and we felt it would be best if it was someone from the community who’s involved,” Douglass said. “Kim’s name kept coming up as a supporter of local events and of the community.”
The grand marshal rides at the front of the parade and Douglass said the purpose is to bask in the town’s appreciation.
“It’s a day to step back, relax and enjoy the community that he helps out,” Douglass said.
While Carter has enjoyed the parade and festivities over the years and never has any problems lending time or equipment, he never thought about eventually leading the parade.
“They just happened to call me up and say ‘Hey, you’re going to be grand marshal’ and I said ‘What?'” Carter recalled. “I was excited, it’s quite an honor — it could be anybody. It doesn’t have to be me. I’m not saying I should be the grand marshal because I’ve done stuff to help. That’s not why I did it.”
Jesse Scardina — 861-9239
Twitter: @jessescardina
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