Butte Parade Names A ‘Living Legend’ As Grand Marshal
The Grand Marshal has been announced for the Butte Montana 4th of July Parade.
And it is a very familiar face. Stevie Faulkner.
The Butte America Foundation made the announcement earlier today that Stevie Faulkner has been named the Grand Marshal for this year’s 4th of July Parade.
Life hasn’t always been easy for Stevie. At the age of nine, he began walking the streets of Butte with his trusty shoeshine box. Much like a mailman- rain or shine- for the next sixty years, Stevie has greeted one and all with a winning smile and a willing spirit. Stevie’s own shoes may never have been quite as shiny as those of his clients, but his perseverance, remarkable work ethic, and unique sense of humor easily earned him the respect of our community.
Indeed, many call him Butte’s Living Legend. That is a distinction that I agree with 100%. Who doesn’t know (of) Stevie? I can honestly say, I have never had my shoes shined by Stevie. (Vans are awfully tough to get a shine on) BUT, I can say that I have given Stevie plenty of rides from the flats up the hill, or vice versa, like most people in town. Stevie is part of all of our family. He IS Butte.
Take a look at this video posted by Shawn “Roxx” Hoskins with Stevie. Shawn asks the PERFECT question, "Who gave you your biggest tip?" So glad Shawn recorded this interview.
Stevie is happily retired these days, living at Continental Care and Rehab.
The 4th of July parade will begin at 10 am Tuesday morning in front of the Civic Center and will travel down Harrison Avenue to Elizabeth Warren. Please note that Harrison Ave. will be closed off to cross-traffic between these points.
They are still looking for volunteers to help on the bucket brigade as well! If you would like to volunteer or have any other issues contact Parade Director Matt Boyle at mjboyle14@gmail.com or 406-498-3549.
