The Camillus Memorial Day Parade Committee held their monthly meeting last week with the primary purpose of fundraising.

Committee co-chair Bernie Bunce reported that planning is advancing nicely, as fellow co-chair Ed Fletcher last week had said the bulk of the planning was already wrapped up.

“Now we need to emphasize the fundraising efforts to gather enough money to finance the parade,” Bunce said.

To finance the performers, flags, memorial services and other parade-related expenses, Bunce said the total cost is about $8,000.

“So far, we have $2,200,” Bunce said.

The committee’s main fundraising tool, the “Be a Star, Buy a Star” program, will kick-off around May 1. The board is erected at the Camillus Municipal Building and serves as a patriotic display of community residents and businesses that have donated to the parade in honor or memory of a soldier.

This year, those who purchase a star will be listed on the parade program.

Look for more information on how to purchase a star and help fund this year’s event in coming weeks of the Parade Corner.

The Parade Corner will be a regular feature in Eagle Observer in the weeks leading up to the Camillus Memorial Day parade to give residents a taste of the planning and preparation that goes into staging Onondaga County’s largest Memorial Day parade. The event is set for May 25 this year.