1993
"I believe in IFA and the value that it gives each member. I also believe that you get as much out of the organization as you put in," said Don Whitely founder and President of the Atlanta-based Argonne Productions, producer of world-class parades and special events.
Whitely has put a lot into IFA, having served as President, Chairing or Co-Chairing every Parade Seminar, and helping to develop many successful ideas. He feels his greatest accomplishment in IFA has been to help establish the Regional Seminar concept, initiated at the Tournament of Roses in Pasadena to reach members worldwide. Don also helped initiate IFEA's Silent Auction at the 1987 Convention in El Paso, TX.
"I'm very proud that I have been a part of the growth of IFA. When I first became active it was a very small organization that served a very select group of festivals. I always recognized the value of the sessions and the learning experience. Now, with the growth of IFA, I am pleased that this wonderful opportunity can be shared with more and more members of the festival business."
Don is the man behind the WSB-TV Salute 2 America Parade in Atlanta (12 years), the San Francisco Chinese New Year Parade (seven years), Egelston Children's Christmas Parade, Atlanta, (three years) and La Gran Parada de Navidad, San Juan Puerto Rico (two years).
In addition, Whitely has organized many of the nation's largest one-time parade extravaganzas, including New York's ticker tape parade to welcome home the troops from Desert Storm in 1992; the 1986 Coca Cola Centennial Parade, Atlanta; U.S. Constitution Bicentennial Parade, 1987, Philadelphia; and the Winter Carnival Parade, St. Paul, MN, which served as the parade of the 1992 Super Bowl.
"I am very honored to be selected for the IFA Hall of Fame. The organization has meant so much to me over the years both professionally and personally that this is a double honor," he said. Editor's Note: Don Whitely passed away in 1999.