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MERCER —
Mark and Linda Brown, who organized the Mercer Memorial Day 500 and have been at its helm since its inception in 2003, are resigning their patriotic posts.
In an e-mail Monday, the couple announced their intent to retire, effective Oct. 15, along with their desire to see the event continue to honor local members of the military, both past and present.
The 500, which has become Mercer County’s largest Memorial Day event, includes 500 flags lining Pitt Street in Mercer, the Freedom Fun Run, the Memorial Parade, honors for three living and one deceased veteran, a reception for veterans and a concert.
In their e-mail, the Browns said they believe the 500 can continue if six positions are filled:
• Brochure distribution, which requires two weeks out of the year
• Transportation, which takes three weeks;
• Veteran honoree facilitator, three weeks;
• Veteran prizes, two weeks.
• Organizer and advertising positions require two days a month for six months.
Specific instructions are available for each position based on the event model in place from the last 10 years.
