This weekend promises to be an exciting time for our county, with the Veteran's Day Parade and the Jaybird Market taking place.

The Jaybird Holiday Market for this year is scheduled for Saturday, November 11th, from 9 AM to 2 PM in downtown Iuka.

The Jaybird Market is a beloved community shopping event that brings together numerous local businesses, vendors, and artisans to create a unique holiday shopping experience for our community. We are thrilled to announce that over 60 vendors have already confirmed their participation, making this year's market one to remember. As is customary, vendors will set up in Jaybird Park. In addition to shopping with local vendors, the businesses in and around downtown Iuka will also be open for your shopping pleasure. This year, we are delighted to have special musical guests, Marshalls Creek and Mad Mallard. We encourage everyone to join us at the Holiday Market this Saturday, whether it's for a great time or to get a head start on your Christmas shopping. If you need more information about this event, please feel free to email us at idea38852@yahoo.com.

In conjunction with the Jaybird Holiday Market, we have the 6th Annual Veterans Day Parade, also in Downtown Iuka. The parade will commence at 10 AM and is a county-wide event designed to honor the Veterans in our area and beyond. We invite you to make plans to join us as we pay tribute to the local heroes who have served our country. This year's parade grand marshals are Jake and Thelma Whitehurst.

Jake and Thelma got married in 2002 and both deployed to Iraq in 2003. Jake and Thelma both have 31 years of combined military service. While in Iraq, Thelma worked in logistics for an Aviation Battalion, and Jake conducted combat operations throughout the region. They both returned home in 2004, and Jake re-deployed in 2005-2006. Jake came back home in 2007 to serve as a Drill Sergeant, while Thelma returned to Iraq to assist in intelligence operations. In 2010, Jake re-deployed to Iraq. Between the two of them, they have a total of 5 combat deployments and 3 tours in Korea. They have been stationed in various places, including Georgia, Texas, and North Carolina. Thelma's awards include 3 Army Commendation Medals, 3 Army Achievement Medals, Iraq Campaign Medal, and Korean Service Medal. Jake's awards include Combat Infantry Badge, Expert Infantry Badge, Air Assault Badge, Drill Sergeant Badge, 2 Bronze Stars, 3 Army Commendation Medals, 6 Army Achievement Medals, Iraq Campaign Medal, Korean Service Medal, and The Order of Saint Maurice. Jake and Thelma are the proud parents of four children: Katelynn Taylor (26 years old), Keira Whitehurst (18 years old), Wyatt Whitehurst (17 years old), and Piper Whitehurst (8 years old).

You can find the second part of this article here