Edwardsburg honored America’s fallen heroes during its annual Memorial Day celebration Monday, May 30.

The parade, which began at the middle school on Section Street, featured the Edwardsburg High School marching band, Miss Edwardsburg royalty, the VFW, American Legion and many floats and other entries. The assembly marched up U.S. Highway 12, where it stopped at the veterans’ memorial next to the Edwardsburg Area History Museum for a flag ceremony.

The parade then turned left onto Cass Street, proceeded to Hamilton Street and then to the Edwardsburg Cemetery, where flags were placed on veterans’ graves.

The sweltering heat did not, however, put a damper on festivities, as the streets and parking lots were lined with spectators.

A festival was held following the parade at Gunn Park, where games, vendors and food were on hand for kids and adults alike. Horse rides were available for children in addition to a bounce house.

The Uptown Improvement Association sponsored a bike decoration for youth in grades K-6, and the presentation of the Key of the Village to Miss Edwardsburg took place at noon on the new bandstand.

Paul Mayhew, owner of Paul Mayhew Funeral Home, was honored with the Dr. John B. Sweetland Award, which is presented annually to an Edwardsburg resident who has had a significant influence on the Edwardsburg community.