YARMOUTH — This year’s Yarmouth Clam Festival parade theme, “Three Cheers for Champions: Yesterday, Today, and Tomorrow,” will honor retired tree warden Frank Knight, 101, and Herbie, the American elm he repeatedly saved from disease.

Herbie, which stood on the corner of East Elm and Yankee Drive for 217 years, was removed in January because of Dutch elm disease. Over the last 50 years Knight saved the tree 14 times before it finally succumbed to the disease.

Festival organizers invited Knight to lead the July 16 parade as grand marshal. The parade will include more than 130 floats, marching bands, antique cars, and entertainers celebrating champions who have provided inspiration through education, the environment, sports, myth and legend.

There will be a tree dedication and an opportunity to view and purchase crafts made from Herbie’s wood at the festival.  

The 45th annual festival will take place July 16-18. Admission is free, and all proceeds from the food booths and parking lots will benefit local non-profit student, sporting, music, church, and community service organizations.

For more information about the tree trust, visit the Herbie Project at yarmouthcommunityservices.org. To learn more about the Yarmouth Clam Festival, visit clamfestival.com or call the Chamber of Commerce at 846-3984.

Amy Anderson can be reached at 781-3661 ext. 110 or aanderson@theforecaster.net


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