By Robin Swain
This year’s parade theme might be “Small Town America” – but there’s nothing small about Rockaway Beach’s parade Grand Marshals – not one, not two, but THREE worthy local honorees: Terry Walhood, Ronnie Duckworth, and the Rockaway Roastery.
Rockaway Beach Grand Marshal Terry Walhood
In 1967 Terry Walhood’s family located to Rockaway Beach, where they were instrumental in the development of South Washington street off of Hwy 101.
Terry moved back to Rockaway Beach in 2001 and she became a permanent resident. She joined the Hope Chest in Wheeler.
In 2005, she completed her OSU Master Gardener class and she helped form the community garden, which she is still involved with today. She became president of the Hope Chest which she continues to chair, and proudly to announced topping $2 million in donations to Tillamook county charities from Hope Chest for 2022. From 2009 to 2011, Terry served as mayor of Rockaway Beach; she was involved with the restoration of the Seaview lake and park, oversaw the installation of a state-of-the-art treatment plant still rated as outstanding and working well to protect the citizens.
In 2012 she served as chairman of the Beautification Committee. She has also been Volunteer of the Year.
In 2013 she became vice president of the Planning Commission and in 2014 she was elected as city Councilor position #4.
Terry stated, “I love this city and its citizens. I would like to work on the possibility of having sport club offerings like pickleball volleyball or other activities that could be available to both local citizens, tourists and give our young people fun things to do, as well. I’m just so very honored to be chosen as Grand Marshal.”
Rockaway Beach Grand Marshal Rockaway Roastery
The Rockaway Roastery Crew are honored to be one of the Grand Marshall’s in this year’s 4th of July Parade. The Roastery has quickly become the heart of Rockaway Beach and the town’s living room. The ultimate place to meet up with friends, meet new people and everyone’s favorite place to have a meeting, ( the editorial team here at the Tillamook County Pioneer can attest to this).
Cosmo, donated $50,000 of equipment to Neah-Ka-Nie’s Music Department. The Roastery is sponsoring LIVE MUSIC in the Wayside, on the 4th of July from for the Neah-Kah-Nie Choir non-profit. Cosmo told us, “There will be donation containers, I mean really, why limit the kids to just a jar”?
Here is the line up:
4pm, Scott Casey & Friends
6pm, Mercury Coast
8pm, Clusterfolk
Come on down and enjoy the music!
Cosmo added, “It’s my understanding that a business has never been nominated, I hope this will be a new tradition as all the businesses contribute throughout the year.”.
A big shout out to the Rockaway Beach Chamber for letting us set up in their Chamber zone.
Ronnie Duckworth Rockaway Beach Grand Marshal
Ronnie and Becki Duckworth have been residents of Rockaway Beach for five years. “We always wanted to move to the beach. And five years ago we found our little piece of mind and our slice of heaven right here. We have really enjoyed becoming part of this community. You know, Once the kids are grown, you need to live for yourself.”
Ronnie has been a BBQ pit master for 32 years. “Is not a chore, it’s a joy,” says Ronnie.
Ronnie has been involved with the local animal shelters, including loaning one of his BBQ’S to the crew of the National Weiner Dog Races.
“We have been well received by this community. I’m always glad to give a helping hand where I can, like building a catio for our neighbor,” he added.
When asked what he thought when he found out that he was one of the Grand Marshal’s he replied, “I was going about my day, doing my thing and was totally surprised! I would like to thank the community for nominating me as one of the Grand Marshall’s. It was a big surprise and I’m very honored.”
