“Just say ‘Johnny’ and everyone knows who you are talking about,”….read one of the many nominations for Johnny Peters, who was announced Wednesday as the grand marshal for the 2015 Washington C.H. Christmas Parade, scheduled for Sunday, Nov. 29 at 3 p.m.
The Fayette County Chamber of Commerce coordinates the parade. Chamber president Whitney Gentry said, “I don’t know that any one person has ever received so many nominations before. There is a groundswell of support for Johnny Peters and we are honored to have him as our grand marshal.”
Peters was born and raised in Washington Court House, where he resides today with his wife, Karen, of 34 years.
The nominations for Johnny say it all: “Peters is a lifelong resident of Washington Court House and is self-employed, doing odd jobs for the people of Washington Court House and Fayette County. Johnny is arguably the best known person in the city – and Johnny speaks to everyone and knows them by name. When almost anyone needs assistance, they call Johnny. He does the jobs no one else will do and is always willing to work…..He is always helping out at community functions and has sold more popcorn at the Washington High School football games than anyone…..The cheers for Johnny would be greater than any other grand marshal in the history of the parade and Johnny would do what he does best – trading good-spirited conversation with everyone he sees….Every town has its characters and Washington Court House is blessed to have one the caliber of Johnny Peters. He deserves some recognition.”
Upon hearing of the news, Peters grinned and said, “I can’t believe it. I’m excited. I’ve been in the parade every year but I’ve never been the grand marshal. I’ll have to get a suit.”
Peters is a familiar face in the community, helping unload the produce truck at the Fayette County Food Pantry, or helping out at the Mobil Food Market in Jeffersonville, or on Saturdays where he helps at The Well at Sunnyside. Friday nights you will find him flipping hamburgers for home football games at Washington Court House Schools.
“I help anywhere they need me,” he said. “I’m glad I got picked. I’ve been here for many years. Thanks to all the people that nominated me.”
