Troy

The 40th annual Uncle Sam Birthday Parade will step off on Sept. 13, the 249th birthday of Samuel Wilson, the inspiration for the iconic national symbol.

The parade originated during the U.S. Bicentennial in 1976.

"We're trying to go back and do what we did years ago for our 40th," John Rustin, president of the Uncle Sam Parade Committee, said.

Rustin will lead the parade as grand marshal.

"I'm excited they chose me. I filled up with tears," Rustin, 73, said.

He will then step down as the organization's president after 25 years. He's volunteered on the parade committee for 33 years.

Rustin said his successor hasn't been selected. He said the committee is concentrating on mounting the 40th parade.

The other honorees during the parade weekend will be Kelly Hardy as Citizen of the Year; George Jacques, a well-known Uncle Sam portrayer, as Humanitarian of the Year; and Don Romines, who performs as Donny Elvis, as the celebrity grand marshal. They will be saluted at the annual luncheon to be held Sept. 12.

Incorporating traditions from the parade's origins will include bringing back the Philadelphia Mummers to march, said Rustin, who is the Rensselaer County Republican chairman and a Schaghticoke councilman.

The parade starts at 1 p.m. Sept. 13 in Lansingburgh. The committee has secured Knickerbacker Park for its after-parade activities. There will be fireworks, skydivers and musical performers.

The Miss Uncle Sam Pageant will be held Aug. 15 at the St. Augustine Church Hall, 525 Fourth Ave. It is organized by Alta Reynolds.

Rustin cited Darlene Simpson, the committee secretary, and Shirley Kelly of Melrose, who's been involved with the parade since 1976, as playing key roles.

The parade continues to seek financial donations. Rustin said they can be mailed to Uncle Sam Parade Committee, P.O. Box 109, Troy, NY 121812.

kcrowe@timesunion.com • 518-454-5084 • @KennethCrowe