2024 Parade Marshal - Freddie (Fred) Wilson

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It is an honor to have Freddie (Fred) Wilson serve as our 2024 McDade Watermelon Festival Association Parade Marshal. This year marks the 76th year of the Festival, and since 1979 have been honoring someone as Parade Marshal. Fred is the son of the late Wallace and Freda Wilson, who served as Parade Marshals in the 1987 Festival. Fred has been involved in the McDade Community for all his life, beginning as early as 1953 and 1962, when he served as an escort in the Queen's coronation.

Fred attended McDade Independent School through the 8th grade, as that is all that was offered at that time, before attending Elgin Independent School for his High School completion. He then moved to Austin to continue his education at the University of Texas.

Following living in Austin for a few years and the arrival of his son, Brandon Wilson, he realized he wanted to return to McDade to have his son begin his education in a smaller town environment. He moved back to his hometown of McDade in 1975.

From that time forward, he has been involved in numerous community organizations and events.

Fred has served as Master of Ceremonies for many years, for The Queen's Revue and Coronation at the Festival. He has also served as the past President of the Watermelon Festival.

Past & Present Parade Marshals

He served for many years as a trustee on the McDade Water District.

He has been a member of The McDade Baptist Church for many years and is still very active there while serving as deacon along with song director and Sunday School Superintendent.

​He has been a member of The McDade Baptist Church for many years and is still very active there while serving as deacon along with song director and Sunday School Superintendent.

He served as a Trustee for the McDade School Board for many years, and in that time, survived a very critical time for the school when the State was attempting to close smaller schools.

Fred is currently a member of the McDade Cemetery Association and currently holds the office of President after being elected after his father was no longer able to hold that office.

He is also the current President of the McDade Historical Society and has held that position for multiple terms. He worked with members of the community in strengthening the membership and activities scheduled to help bring more attention to the history of McDade. The Historical Society has had reenactments of the famous 1883 Christmas Day shooting in which Fred portrayed a character of those events and has also served as Master of Ceremonies.He will also say that it takes people working together to achieve success in any event or activity, whether it be large or small.

Fred has always been available to lend a helping hand when asked, whether it be for a phone number or driving you to a doctor’s appointment.

Oh, and by the way, you may even see one of his home-baked pies at a Bake Sale or Pot Luck Lunch or get some of those fresh vegetables from his garden.

Fred is very appreciative of all the votes and support to honor him as our Parade Marshall for 2024.