After organizing the Gilroy Memorial Day activities for the last
seven years, Chairman Craig Gartman is stepping down.
After organizing the Gilroy Memorial Day activities for the last seven years, Chairman Craig Gartman is stepping down.
“It has been a pleasure serving the community in this capacity but it is time for me to step aside and let some new blood take over the reins,” he said.
Gartman has spent the last three months interviewing prospective people and organizations about taking over the responsibility for the events, but has yet to fine someone who wants to take on the challenge. Those responsibilities include organizing the annual parade.
“If someone or an organization wants to take on this responsibility, I will be happy to sit down with them and go over all the details,” he said. “It is not an easy task, but it is very rewarding.”
Gartman and fellow Councilman Bob Dillon took over the organizing of the events in March 2002 when it was learned by then Mayor Tom Springer, that the Chamber of Commerce decided not to organize the event that year. Gartman and Dillon raised funds and organized the event. Since then, Gartman has chaired the event.
“Since the Downtown Business Association puts on many events during the year, I plan to hand over the supplies and equipment that are in my garage over to that organization. They use our street signs today and I am sure they could use the tents, clip boards, tools and other items. I will be contacting them in the coming weeks to arrange for the donation,” Gartman said. “I look back at the last seven events and smile knowing my team has put on some great events and I want to thank them and the support of the community. They keep showing up at the events and making Memorial Day in Gilroy a day to remember.”
