Durand Improvement Group announces Dazzle Day grand marshals

The Durand Improvement Group has named Wayne and Pat Miller as its 2014 Durand Dazzle Day grand marshals.
Wayne, who grew up in Alma, and Pat, who grew up near Plum City, have been married for 43 years. They met while attending college at the University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire. The Millers have lived in Durand since 1977.
The Millers moved to Durand as Wayne joined Dr. Lenard Garceau's dental practice. When Garceau moved back to North Dakota in 1983, Dave Reiland joined the practice.
Wayne has been a Boyscout leader for a number of years, and has been involved in the Lions Club, Knights of Columbus, Tri-County Wisconsin Dental Society, and American Dental Association. He is a member of St. Mary's Parish, where he ushers and sings in the choir.
Pat is a past member of the hospital auxiliary, the Durand Womens Club, a former Girlscout leader, and plays organ at St. Mary's Parish. In the past, she did office work at the dental office. She also gives private piano and voice lessons in her home.
Wayne earned his Bachelor of Science degree in education with a biology major and chemistry minor from UWEC in 1971. Following graduation, he taught high school at St. Bede Academy for two years. He then attended Marquette Dental School from 1973-77, and graduated with a DDS.
Pat graduated from UWEC in 1971 with a Bachelor of Music in Education, majoring in voice, piano and English. In 1974 she earned her Master's in music theory and composition. She taught four years of elementary music in Menomonie, and seven years of elementary music at St. Mary's School.
Being named the 2014 grand marshals, Pat said looking back on past Dazzle Days, it's nice to see the different entries.
"It's neat how people in the community get excited and put together creative entries," she said. "There's just a certain joy with being outside for a parade event in winter."
"It's refreshing," added Wayne.
The Millers said they think Dazzle Day is a good community event.
"Any event that brings people together for fun is very positive," she said. "It brings a small community close together."
The Millers said they are honored to be the 2014 grand marshals.
The Millers have three children: Mark, 27, is married to Gretchen, and live outside of Lake City, Minn.; Mike, 33, is married to Jackie, and together they live in Fenton, Mich.; Jenny, 30, is married to Phillip Wagenbach. They have two children, William, 3, and Benjamin, 10 months.
"It's a pleasure to be a part of such a friendly, vital community like Durand," Wayne said. "The people have always been warm, welcoming, and friendly."
In his spare time, Wayne enjoys hunting, fishing, and camping. Pat enjoys fishing, camping, and gardening. They both said they enjoy spending time with family and friends.
Durand Dazzle Day will include new additions this year, as well as the traditional events. Grand Marshals Wayne and Pat Miller, along with the Durand Royalty, and Santa and Mrs. Claus, will be seen around town at various places.
All day family fun will be available in Downtown Durand, beginning at 11 a.m. with the usual DIG fundraising action and vendors at the Durand Masonic Community Center.
Great specials will be offered at local businesses, and Durand Dollars will be given away as prizes in the newest addition to Dazzle Day, the Snowman Mission.
The community will also be decorated, and talents will be showcased at the Christmas Tree Decorating Contest, held at the sand lot near The Hair Hut. Memorial Park will have carriage and trolley rides, an exotic animal viewing zoo, and a marshmallow roast.
The grand illuminated parade will begin at 6 p.m. with after glow entertainment, parade awards, and Santa and Mrs. Claus on the Old Courthouse Museum steps.
Be sure to check out the area decorated business windows and drive by Santa's Dear Farm at Tarrant Park.
For more information, visit DIG's Facebook page, or www.durandimprovementgroup.org.