Labor Day weekend usually consists of barbecue, soaking in the last few days of summer sunshine and cool drinks, but for Clyde, it's all about its annual Watermelon Festival. For many, the festival also includes many of the classic Labor Day activities, but this year experienced a significant change for this generation of the festival.
During the 9:30 a.m. parade on Saturday, Sept. 5, instead of a familiar voice, KR-92 Sports, Sales and Music Director Jesy Strnad announced the parade, not before taking a photo next to Larry Jones' plaque mounted on the corner of Washington and Green streets in downtown.
"I've got big shoes to fill," Strnad said while waiting for the parade to begin.
Larry Jones had announced the festival parade for many years, but his final one was in 2025. He passed away only about a month after the festival on Oct. 8, 2025. Even though the festival sets out to celebrate the town's history, watermelons and that final stretch of summer, residents found various ways to commemorate Larry Jones' legacy throughout its activities.
Many tributes to Larry included outward facing displays, like the NCK Rodeo Queen Tymber Workman beginning the annual parade with a riderless horse in remembrance, and the final participant of the parade had a sign reading "WE MISS YOU LARRY." But, for his son, Mark Jones, this year was about becoming more involved in the festival weekend and learning about what it takes to participate in the preparation for the Watermelon Festival.
"This was probably the first year that me and my family really became involved," Mark Jones said. "When we lived in Texas, we would just come in and have fun and then leave, but this year, we got to understand the magnitude of just all the volunteers... you just don't realize how much it takes; it takes a whole village."
Mark Jones and his wife, Robyn, and daughter, Hayley, all decided to dive into the preparation side of the festival, with all three volunteering their time for various activities. The one that the family focused on for this year, though, was the demolition derby.
According to Mark, during the festival Hayley helped with tickets while Mark and Robyn assisted in operations. During the derby, organizers held a moment of silence for Larry Jones; another marker of the local's legacy in the town.
"There was a lot of emotion for me and our family this weekend," Mark Jones said. "I can't stress enough, though, me and my family are involved now and we're happy to be here and do them, but it really is just the numerous organizations that we have in town and all the volunteers that help."
Local festivities filled the entire weekend, where Friday began with pancakes and yard games, Saturday saw the classic parade, demolition derby, talent show and free watermelon, while Sunday hosted a softball tournament, quarter carnival, finishing off with a fireworks display late Sunday evening.
