Bob Parrish has been chosen to lead Great Bend’s holiday parade on Nov. 27, sponsors at Sunflower Diversified Services announced.

Parrish was a logical choice for grand marshal of this year’s Home for the Holidays event, because the parade theme is "Our Favorite Christmas Story." According to a press release from Sunflower, Parrish has been a local leader and storyteller his entire life. Teaming up with Ray Schulz, he co-hosted a popular radio show titled "Pages in Time," where they told tales and facts about Great Bend’s early history.

A tireless volunteer for the Barton County Historical Society, he continues to grab visitors’ attention with his booming orations about the area and its colorful past.

Graduating from Great Bend High School in 1945 Parrish served in the armed forces and then graduated from the University of Kansas before returning to his hometown community. He and his wife raised a family here as he managed and operated Parrish Motors. Serving as a city council member and mayor, he continued to dedicate himself to the growth and prosperity of Great Bend. He has held many positions within the Republican Party locally, and on the district and state level. He also provided leadership to numerous local civic groups.

"Just ask Bob, he’ll have a tale at his fingertips about the local area at Christmas time," sponsors said. "From the wonderful spotlights that used to illuminate the Barton County Courthouse to sledding down the hill north of town, his stories enrich all who hear them. Bringing us all back to whatever our favorite Christmas stories and memories are."