Jacobsens to serve as Woodchopper Grand Marshals

Gary and Mary Jacobsen are gearing up to serve as the 2013 Grand Marshals for the 53rd annual Woodchoppers Jamboree and Rodeo in Encampment this weekend.

Mary said she and her husband will be in the parade waving and throwing candy to spectators. The parade, which takes place at 9 a.m. Saturday, begins in Encampment and proceeds through Riverside.

“We’ll be throwing candy and, if I get my beads, we’ll be throwing beads too,” Mary said. “We’ll also be in a convertible that always rides the grand marshals.”

As Encampment residents for 41 years, Mary said they were chosen as the grand marshal couple for their long-time presence and Jamboree help within the community.

“They pick a grand marshal couple every year, not necessarily a married couple, but a couple of people to be it,” she said. “Usually it’s people who have been here a long time and helped with the Jamboree. Gary cooks, collects money or does whatever he needs to do, and he’s been doing that for 40 years. Gary has also been in the Lion’s Club that whole time and has been president.”

Mary said she was also excited to finally be part of a town parade, and spend the weekend with family members.

“I’ve never been in a parade before, this is my first parade ever,” she said. “I’ve participated on the bleachers, but never in the parade. I’m looking forward to my family coming, because this is when they all come. They come to celebrate the Jamboree with us, so the highlight of the weekend is the family being here.”