Prospect's return to normalcy comes one step closer with the resumption of its Memorial Day Parade and Community Day on May 29.

Organizer Jessica Parker said everyone involved is excited to celebrate military members in their community this year, as the event was canceled last year due to COVID-19.

“We have a lot of veterans who live in Prospect, who we love to celebrate,” she said. “It means a lot to us that we can bring it forward and honor them through the parade.”

While parade participants are asked arrive at the venue between 9 and 9:30 a.m., parade viewers will see it start at 11 a.m. on Main Street near Kennedy Road.

In addition to a large number of area fire departments, many other organizations and individuals, such as Shriners and Boy Scouts, will march down Main Street to the final destination of Moraine Elementary School.

After the parade concludes, the elementary school will be the site of the Battle of the Barrel, during which firefighters will be called to action for fun rather than work.

“It's a way they can hone their skills and put a little spin on competition,” Parker said. “We work together with mutual aid with other departments, so it's nice to have a day together to have some laid-back fun.”

Parker, who serves as the Prospect Volunteer Fire Department treasurer, said the department doesn't benefit directly from the event, but its firefighters likely will have a raffle fundraiser.

Surrounding these festivities will be a Community Day featuring vendors positioned throughout Main Street.

The event is sponsored by a number of local stores and companies, the names of which will be on a shirt celebrating the Community Day.

Parker said the shirts can be purchased for $12 at the event. Proceeds will roll into the funds for next year's event.

“It kind of grows every year, which is a great thing,” Parker said.