Celebrating their 50th wedding anniversary this year, Jay and Gwyn Franson, of Highland, have had more than a few experiences together. Though those years have been busy with five children, several cross-country moves, and many leadership positions, the Fransons have strived to serve, and since 1981, their service efforts have been given to their city of Highland. This year, the city has decided to honor their service by naming them the Grand Marshals of this year’s Highland Fling.

Some of their first efforts with community involvement included Gwyn Franson establishing an enrichment program for the elementary school, which led to almost 20 years working at Highland Elementary School teaching fifth grade. She also served on the city council, which is where she first got majorly involved with the Fling.

Jay Franson served as the city mayor from 2006 to 2010, and also had the opportunity to take part in the festivities of the Fling.

“The Highland Fling has been a part of our family since we moved here,” he said. “It’s changed from the local, very small celebration to really citywide, a chance for people to get together and get to know each other. We all live in the same place, I think there’s some value in that. We all work together, and learn together, and play together. I think there’s great value in these community celebrations.”

Having spent so much time serving their community, the Fransons find that they have gained a deep love for the community over the years.

“It’s a great place to raise a family,” Gwyn Franson said. “Lots of opportunities to learn and grow. It has been kind of nice to live in an area that is kind of rural.”

Jay Fransonappreciates that though the city has grown substantially, there is still a strong sense of community.

“Part of the celebration for those who have lived here for longer is a chance to reacquaint,” he said. “One of the things that has always been fun is in the park with the kids games. It’s a change to meet with the people, and either get acquainted or get acquainted with the people that you’ve known for a long time.”

With all the festivities of the festival however, there are two things that the Fransons enjoy the most.

“I think my favorite part of the fling is fireworks, we can sit on our front lawn and enjoy the fireworks,” Gwyn Franson said. “It’s something that we can enjoy as a family.”

Jay Franson agreed, adding that “The other part of it is probably the parade, although it’s not a really elaborate parade, its made up of people that you know. When you’re lined up to watch, you’re talking with people that you know. It’s that aspect of the community part, it’s when everyone comes together at the parade. It’s where everyone is together at the same time.”

Upon finding out that they had been named this year’s Grand Marshals, both Jay and Gwyn Franson have found it to be a humbling experience.

“It’s a humbling sort of thing, you don’t serve to be recognized, so when you’re recognized, it takes you back a bit, but it’s an honor to be recognized by a city that is our home, by people that we love and admire and respect,” Gwyn Franson said.

“It’s humbling that we are being recognized, but there are lots of other people,” Jay Franson said. “It’s a way to serve our community again. Since we’ve moved here, we’ve found a strong sense of service in this community, very involved, I could give a lot of examples, there’s always a strong sense of service. I was always amazed at the community involvement, the hours and hours of service. People here are willing to step up when needed. We have a responsibility to give in return for all of those good things that we have. We’ve been asked to be that, and so we will continue to serve.”