QUILCENE — Quilcene Fair organizers are doing it all for Al, because Al has done everything for the town.
Al Jakeway, 88, suffered a stroke earlier this year. But Fair President Lisa Hames hopes he will feel strong enough to lead the parade as its grand marshal during the annual event Sept. 15.
Jakeway has marshaled forces so well during the years that Quilcene came to rely on his energy and enthusiasm to get things organized.
When he suffered the stroke, some in the community worried that the fair wouldn’t be put on because his absence left such a huge vacuum.
“He makes you feel that ‘I can give this little’ because he gives so much,” Hames said. “He makes you want to do so much.”
Volunteers have stepped forward, however, and they all seem intent on making sure they live up to Jakeway’s expectations.
Full details appear in today’s edition of the Peninsula Daily News. Click onto “Subscribe” to have your PDN delivered to your home or office.