Sam Scism takes reigns as parade marshal

FARMINGTON – Driving in the Country Days Parade has become “old hat” with venerable car dealer Sam Scism, but this year he will be leading that parade in the position of honor. Not as a driver, but as the parade marshal.

Some other veterans of Country Days activities, Dan and Betty Combs, have also been named by the Chamber of Commerce Country Days Committee for special honors. They will be this year’s Mr. and Mrs. Country Days, the official ambassadors for the festivities that are scheduled June 6, 7 and 8.

The parade, sponsored by McDonalds and Midwest Sports Center, will make its way through downtown Farmington at 11 a.m. on June 7. This is a slight change in schedule from last year’s parade.

Scism, who owns Sam Scism Motors located on U.S. 67 north of Farmington, was selected Parade Marshal because of his perennial support of Country Days activities. His Ford, Lincoln and Mercury dealership has always been what the Chamber described as “tremendous supporters of the parade and Country Days as a whole.”

A convertible driven by Scism has often carried Mr. and Mrs. Country Days in the parade. At the same time, a truck from the large dealership usually carries the Country Days Sheriff on his Friday afternoon duties that are a lighthearted kickoff to the weekend of festivities.

Sam Scism Motors is one of the major concert sponsors, the Chamber noted, bringing top-name Nashville entertainment to Country Days each year. On top of that, the firm sponsors the Scism Star Chase Talent Show which is a major attraction. That show has the top musical talent of the region competing for an opportunity to perform as the opening act at the Country Days Concert.

Ursula Kithiri, executive director of the Chamber, said, “The McDonalds-Midwest Sports Center Country Days Parade will be an event to remember this year.” She urged people to come out for what continues to be a “fabulous family event.”

Like this year’s Parade Marshal, Dan and Betty Combs are not new faces to the Country Days scene. They are the owners of the Little Caesar’s Pizza store in Farmington as well as stores in other area communities.

The Combs have been involved in Country Days back to the time the annual gathering was started about 20 years ago. Over the years, restaurants managed or owned by the couple have been faithful sponsors of Country Days events and continue to do so.

Little Caesar’s Moonlight Bike Ride, the FFA Farm Yard and the Turtle Race are events that the couple’s business continue to sponsor. Over the years, they have also worked diligently behind the scenes to promote and carry out Country Days.

“Dan and Betty have a genuine love for Farmington and for Country Days,” said Kithiri, “and it shows in the support they have given over the years. The Farmington Chamber of Commerce and Country Days are very proud to be represented by the Combs this year.”

Their roles as Mr. and Mrs. Country Days goes far beyond just riding prominently in the parade. They are weekend ambassadors whose task it is to welcome visitors to Farmington and the celebration. They represent the event not just on that first full weekend in June, but also in the weeks leading up to the festival.

Anyone having questions regarding the parade or Country Days in general may contact the Chamber office by calling 573-756-3615. Preparations for this year’s celebration are well under way, according to Chamber and event officials.