MENTONE — The Mentone Egg Festival is honoring heroes this year. No not superheroes, true local heroes — emergency responders.

The parade, one of the festival’s main events, took place this morning, June 1. Keeping with the theme, longtime Fire Chief Mike Yazel was this year’s parade marshall. Yazel has served as a firefighter for the past 41 years.

Many fire departments from Kosciusko and surrounding counties brought trucks to participate in the parade, including Mentone, Atwood, Silver Lake, Akron, Winona Lake, Rochester, Etna Township, Henry Township, Tippecanoe Township and Bourbon. 

There are still Mentone Egg Festival events happening today if you want to join in on the fun.

The kiddie tractor pull begins at 1:30 p.m., followed by the egg toss at 2:30 p.m. Judging for the barbecue contest is scheduled for 5 p.m., followed by a performance by the Sentimental Journey Band at the fire station at 6 p.m. Winners of the cute baby contest will be crowned at 7:30 p.m. as well as the crowning of Miss Mentone.

Mentone’s Fire Department will be honored at 7:45 p.m. at the fire station.