For the last 12 years Tom Jones has helped grease the wheels that keep the Albert Lea Third of July parade running smoothly.

&uot;When the Chamber approached the Jaycees in 1990 asking us to take over the parade, being a native Albert Lea boy, I jumped at the chance to work on it,&uot; said Jones.

Since then Jones has acted as parade chairman five times, including this year’s event. Prior to the parade Jones mostly works on recruiting the paid units, organizing the logistics of the event, and deciding on the parade unit order.

&uot;Its just fun to see the community get together,&uot; Jones said. &uot;The parade is also a good promotion for the city.&uot;

Through the Albert Lea Jaycees, Jones work on the punt, pass and kick contest, Demolition Derby at the Freeborn County Fair, grandstand concessions, and Toys for Tots programs.

In the community, Jones serves as president of the Clarks Grove men’s golf league, is an umpire for youth baseball and softball and a referee for football through Albert Lea parks and recreation. Jones is also a B-squad girls basketball coach for Glenville-Emmons.

&uot;I’ll keep working on the parade as long as people want me to, and as long as Tami Riecke will assist me,&uot; chuckled Jones.