(KLZA)-- The Cobblestone parade is this Saturday at 11:00 a.m. in Falls City, and parade director Lori Gottula announced Tuesday that Ed and Sandra Hartman have been selected as the 2015 grand marshals.  They were selected by an anonymous panel of parade volunteers, and community members. 

“The panel changes every year,” Gottula stated. “Not only do I not vote, I am not even present when the vote is taken. That way, the voting body can truly remain anonymous.”

The honor is kind of like a life-time achievement award for service and dedication to the Falls City community.

“Those things certainly describe Ed and Sandy Hartman,” Lori said. “They have given above and beyond the call to this community.”

The Hartmans owned Falls City Fertilizer for nearly twenty years, and Ed continued to work there as an advisor for nine years after they sold the business.  During that time, Sandy was active in school projects while raising their two children, Kristen and Scot, and Ed was active in the chamber, and nearly every other organization in this community.  After their children graduated from high school, Ed and Sandy both became involved in organizations and philanthropy.  Their donations to Falls City have been given through their time commitments, and monetarily.  Most recently, the two gave substantial donations to the building of the hospital, the weight room at the Falls City High School, and to the Fiedler family sports complex.  But their favorite project was the library, which was built in 2007.

Ken Kunce, who nominated the couple for this honor stated, “There would be no new library if it wasn’t for Sandra Hartman.”

The Hartmans have earned this honor in droves.  When they pass by on Saturday, be sure to show your appreciation.