Lakewood Mayor Ed FitzGerald today announced that Virginia Marti Veith, founder of Virginia Marti College, will serve as the Grand Marshall for the City’s Fourth of July parade. The parade is scheduled to step off on Sunday July 4, 2010 at 12:00 p.m. on Lake Avenue at Kenneth Drive and conclude at Lakewood Park.
Virginia Marti Veith grew up with a passion for quality fabrics and fashion. Her father was a furrier, owning a store in Cleveland. Early on, Mrs. Veith understood that quality sewing and construction skills would open up a world of design possibilities for her. She began studying fashion in New York City, then moved on to Paris to study the Haute Couture method of design, with its emphasis on quality fabrics and customizing detail.
When Mrs. Veith moved back to the States several years later, she opened her own bridal salon. Unable to find expert staff, Mrs. Veith began training new students. Five students attended her first Fashion Design class at the new Virginia Marti College of Fashion and Art in April 1966. In 1970, the coursework evolved into a Fashion Design Associate Degree Program.
Virginia Marti College of Art and Design is a nationally accredited, two-year career college for students who are ready to advance their education and careers in fashion design, fashion merchandising, interior design, graphic design and digital media. Specialized, project-based curriculum and hands-on training prepare aspiring designers to compete in creative fields with the most dynamic growth potential. Virginia Marti College moved to current location in Lakewood in 1985, with major renovations and additions completed in 2003. This site was custom designed to include a gallery, which showcases the art and design work of the students.
“We are pleased to honor Virginia Marti Veith for all she has given to the Lakewood community” said Mayor FitzGerald. “We are proud to have her serve as Grand Marshall of the Fourth of July Parade.”
Joining in the parade will be musical favorites, the Lakewood High School Ranger Marching Band, St. Edward High School Band, the Lochaber Pipe Band and Red Hackle Pipe Band.
After the parade, festivities will continue in Lakewood Park with games, food, activities and information provided by several of Lakewood’s community organizations. At 7:00 p.m., the Lakewood Project, Lakewood High School’s Youth Rock Orchestra, will perform at the Bandstand at Lakewood Park.
The Fourth of July festivities will conclude with Lakewood annual fireworks extravaganza at approximately 9:45-10:00 p.m.