Grand Marshal Named For Lakewood 4th Of July Parade

LAKEWOOD, OH — The grand marshal of the Lakewood Fourth of July parade will be David Stein, a business owner and community organization leader. He will follow the color guard as the leader of the parade. The procession steps off at 10 a.m. on Lake Avenue and winds through the city before concluding at Lakewood Park.

Stein owns a pair of businesses in Lakewood, Plantation Home and Cotton. The two stores are located on Detroit Avenue, between Bunts and Marlowe, and face each other across the street. Both stores are housed in historic buildings.

Cotton, which opened in 2013, helped Stein win the Heritage Ohio's Commercial Rehabilitation award. The designation is the organization's top honor. Cotton replaced the space previously occupied by Bailey Buick.

Besides leading two successful retail stores in the city, Stein is also a prominent volunteer and community leader. He is the president of the Downtown Lakewood Business Alliance, which he helped found in 2008 with the help of LakewoodAlive. He's also been a board member for LakewoodAlive since 2010.

“In Lakewood, we rely on the leadership of our residents and local business owners to help keep our neighborhoods strong and vibrant,” said Lakewood Mayor Michael Summers in a statement. “Since he opened Planation Home in 2002, David Stein has set the bar high — not just for his creative and innovative approach to specialty retailing, but for his volunteerism in the community."

Stein founded and sponsored the "Light Up Lakewood" King and Queen scholarships for high school juniors. That scholarship is awarded based on community involvement and service.

The grand marshal selection process is not scientific, a spokesperson for the city told Patch. The mayor and a team of advisers create a list of candidates and then select a winner in an informal gathering. This year, the group settled on Stein.

“We are proud to have David Stein serve as this year’s Grand Marshall,” said Summers. “His tireless and inspiring work in the community highlights his sincere commitment to the future of Lakewood.”

Besides Stein, the parade will feature the Lakewood High School Ranger Marching Band, the St. Edward High School Marching Band, the St. Ignatius Nerf Club, and the Lochaber Pipe Band and Red Hackle Pipe Band.

Following the conclusion of the parade, the Independence Day party will continue in Lakewood Park. Food, games and activities will be provided by Lakewood community organization. At 7 p.m., the Lakewood Project, Lakewood High School's Youth Rock Orchestra, will hold a performance at the Bandstand at Lakewood Park.

Finally, the evening will conclude with the traditional fireworks extravaganza at about 9:45 p.m.

Photo from City of Lakewood