When I first had the idea for this interview series, Debbie Glodo was one of the very first people I wanted to interview. In fact, she was featured in the original concept I presented to the Murphysboro Apple Festival Board.

It wasn't hard to understand why.

For as long as I can remember, Debbie has been the co-chair of the Apple Festival Grand Parade. But her love for the festival didn't begin behind the scenes—it began in childhood.

One of my favorite moments in this interview is seeing archival footage of Debbie when she ran for Miss Apple Festival, smiling and giving the Queen's wave from the parade. Watching that footage, it's hard not to smile knowing that for decades afterward, she'd be the one helping make that very parade happen.

One thing Debbie said has stayed with me. As long as she's able, she'll be there on parade day. Listening to her, I couldn't help but think the Apple Festival Parade is her fountain of youth. Every September, it reconnects her to the little girl who first fell in love with the festival—and I have a feeling that's what keeps her coming back year after year.

Thank you, Debbie, for sharing your Murphysboro Apple Festival story.