Retton to be honored in Fairmont

FAIRMONT, W.Va. (AP) — Fairmont is going back in time.
The city is recreating its 1984 post-Olympic parade honoring gymnastics all-around gold medalist Mary Lou Retton.

Mayor Scott Sears says the Fairmont native will be put in a fire truck bucket to wave to the crowd, just as she did 24 years ago.

The Fourth of July parade is part of a homecoming celebration for Retton. Her husband recently surprised her with a vacation home in Fairmont, where she still has family. The couple make their primary home in Houston with their three daughters.

Following the parade, Gov. Joe Manchin is to present Retton with a Living Legend Award and then there’s a concert planned in her honor at Palatine Park. Following the show, Retton and several others will take the stage to speak, and the night will be capped off with fireworks.