Grand Parade

Albert Chastain – Grand Marshal
Albert has given generously to the Persimmon Festival throughout the years and it seems fitting
that the 2026 festival honor him with being named Co-Grand Marshall of the Persimmon
Festival Parade, along with Co-Grand Marshall Tonya Chastain.

He was introduced to the workings of the festival when he became commercial tent chairman
and served in that position several years. Being co-chairman of the Persimmon Festival for four
years, Albert was appointed general chairman in 1971 and again in 1976.

With the assistance of many dedicated community volunteers, he put together numerous
parades that entertained the Saturday afternoon festival goers. The only exception was
Mitchell’s Sesquicentennial Parade which was on Sunday afternoon. His appreciation for the
volunteers was a motorcoach ride to Morristown for dinner at the Copper Kettle. In other
years, the group traveled to Brown County Inn for dinner. Such great memories!

From his words, “It has been a privilege to be a volunteer in a community festival that is
celebrating its 79th anniversary.”

Tonya Chastain – Co Grand Marshal
Being named Co-Grand Marshal of the 2026 Persimmon Festival Parade was a surprise and an
honor, as many years have been spent organizing parades. This position is also the culmination
of the time she has devoted to the Persimmon Festival.

At an early age, Tonya experienced her family’s involvement in the Phi Beta Psi Persimmon
Festival Food Stand, which has been on-going for 78 years. Volunteering is one of her missions,
and she has previously chaired the food stand and is past president of the Phi Beta Psi Sorority.
Accepting challenges, she co-chaired the festival in 1999 and 2000, and was chairperson of the
Persimmon Festival in 2001. Tonya, along with four other previous chairpersons, co-chaired the
75th Persimmon Festival in 2022. Her community spirit also involves being a board member of
the Greater Mitchell Chamber of Commerce and she currently serves as director of Lawrence
County Tourism.

She is a graduate of Mitchell High School and Vincennes University, and is married to Roger
Chastain.

Tonya is dedicated to serving the community through volunteering and supporting causes that
benefit the residents. She encourages younger generations to become more active in
community events.