Believe it or Not: Ripley is Grand Marshal AND emcee of Morris Plains parade, May 23

Larry Ripley performs at A Taste of Morristown 2011. Photo by Kevin Coughlin
Larry Ripley performs at A Taste of Morristown 2011. Photo by Kevin Coughlin
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Larry Ripley at the microphone during the 2011 Morris Plains Memorial Day Parade. Photo by Hal Crosthwaite
Larry Ripley at the microphone during the 2011 Morris Plains Memorial Day Parade. Photo by Hal Crosthwaite

By Kevin Coughlin

You’d think that after more than two dozen years of emceeing the Morris Plains Memorial Day Parade, Larry Ripley would be allowed to sit back and enjoy his day in the sun as Grand Marshal.

Think again.

On Saturday, Ripley will wave at everyone from a horse-drawn circus wagon at the head of the parade. Then, he’ll jump out, scramble onto the reviewing stand* …  and start announcing.

“I’d miss it if I didn’t,” said the Morris Plains resident.

Ripley has been a familiar sight around Greater Morristown for a long time. Years back, he emceed the Morris County St. Patrick’s Parade in Morristown.  He and his piano have provided musical entertainment at A Taste of Morristown.  As district governor for the local Rotary, he oversees 50 clubs with 1,200 members in Morris, Warren, Sussex and Essex counties.

But it’s Ripley’s work with his hometown blood bank that won him the Grand Marshal’s sash, said Steve Welsh, chairman of the borough’s 29th annual parade.

“He’s revitalized the blood bank in Morris Plains,” Welsh said.

Larry Ripley, right, with Johannes Berger and Andy McNally of Captain Lung at the 2013 Morristown Jazz and Blues Festival. Photo by Kevin Coughlin
Larry Ripley, right, with Johannes Berger and Andy McNally of Captain Lung at the 2013 Morristown Jazz and Blues Festival. Photo by Kevin Coughlin

Ripley has volunteered with that organization for 21 years, coordinating monthly blood drives at the Presbyterian Church.  New Jersey’s second-largest community blood program is poised to collect its 10,000th pint, he said with pride.

He’s got plenty more to be proud of, starting with three daughters and 10 grandsons, and retirement from assorted careers in advertising, music, newspapers and restaurants.

“None were all that lucrative, but most of them were fun,” Ripley said.

And then there is the parade.

“My favorite part is the smiles on the people watching it. The crowd grows every year. They’re practically all from out of town, because virtually everybody who lives here is in the parade. It’s a real small-town parade. And we’re very proud of it.”

Small town. Big parade.  Some 90 units — including 14 bands, 15 llamas, a herd of sheep, one miniature cow, and NY Jets linebacker Demario Davis— will glide from Robert’s Garden to Speedwell Avenue to the VFW on Route 53 on Saturday, March 23, 2015. A Memorial Day Service at the garden starts the activities at 9 am. The parade follows at 9:30 am, and ends with a cookout at the VFW.

*Larry Ripley will wrest the microphone from fellow Rotarian Shaji Eapen, who has agreed to pinch-hit as announcer until Ripley completes his wagon ride.

Larry Ripley performs at A Taste of Morristown 2011. Photo by Kevin Coughlin
Larry Ripley performs at A Taste of Morristown 2011. Photo by Kevin Coughlin

 

2 COMMENTS

  1. I am so glad to see that Larry Ripley is getting recognition for the good charitable work he has done for this area. I met him 20 years ago when he and his family were volunteers helping to open the Community Theater 20 years ago. Since then, I have known of many volunteer activities that he has been a part of such as chairing the Red Cross Board, working for Camp Merry Heart, hosting families here from other countries whose children are here for heart surgery, and the list goes on. His passion for helping people has been passed on to his family, too. Larry is the volunteer who meets his commitments, gives his time, talents, and resources where he can, and always is willing to help when needed. Most of all, he is a good and faithful friend. Truly an unsung hero who never looks for recognition. He just goes about doing what he can without any fanfare. Thanks Larry.

  2. I think after so many years of service to Morris Plains, the Memorial Day Parade Committee should give Larry Ripley a raise for being the Grand Marshall. He has been stuck at the same pay level since he started and he deserves a lot more. He does so much for everyone and there are few could causes that haven’t been touched by his generosity.

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