The Third of July Parade committee has selected former Albert Lea Tribune writer and local historian Ed Shannon as the grand marshal.

Shannon, 85, retired from the Tribune at the end of 2011 after 27 years. He covered everything from law enforcement to car wrecks to features to play reviews and even some sports. He was most known for his history-based Lifestyles features, a column every Friday and the daily Peek at the Past.

“Everyone in town I think knows his byline, but I’m not sure if everyone in town knows him,” said Randy Kehr, executive director of the Albert Lea-Freeborn County Chamber of Commerce. “This is a great way to honor him for what he’s done.”

The committee tries to select someone who has had a long-term commitment to the community, Kehr said. When Shannon’s name was brought up for the honor, he seemed like the perfect fit, he said.

“Ed is just such a part of the fabric of Albert Lea,” he said.

He will be the first person featured after the veterans and military personnel.

“Ed has done a great community service over the years to so many people as a columnist at the Albert Lea Tribune writing about the history of our community and area,” said Tom Jones, another member of the committee.

Shannon, when asked about the honor on Monday, said he was surprised when he found out he was selected because he hasn’t worked at the Tribune for more than a year.

The parade — which coincidentally falls on Shannon’s birthday — begins at the Freeborn County Fairgrounds, travels south down Bridge Avenue and west on Fountain Street to Central Park.

The theme of Albert Lea’s Third of July Parade is “Red, White and Blue, Old Time Traditions.”