Former longtime McHenry mayor named 2017 Fiesta Days parade marshal

McHENRY – Former McHenry Mayor Sue Meyer was selected to be the Fiesta Days 2017 parade marshal.

Meyer, formally known as Sue Low before remarrying this spring, is a lifelong McHenry resident who became a city alderwoman in 2001 before being elected mayor in 2003. She served as mayor for 14 years before deciding not to run for re-election this year. She was succeeded by Mayor Wayne Jett.

“We are very proud to have Sue be our parade marshal for 2017,” McHenry Area Chamber of Commerce President Kay Bates said. “I’ve rarely seen a more committed public servant. Sue absolutely loved the community she grew up in.”

Bates said Meyer would always help out in every community event that she could and helped plan Fiesta Days before she even joined the City Council.

Meyer previously served as the chairwoman of Fiesta Days Committee from 1985 to 1994.

“Fiesta Days was always a huge part of my life,” Meyer said. “My father-in-law, Frank Low, was one of the founders of Fiesta Days, and my late husband Tom was really involved with it. I was chairman of it for 10 years before I came mayor, so it’s really a huge honor to me to be chosen to do this.”

Meyer was a special education teacher for more than 30 years before deciding to retire in 2005. She also has worked extensively with veterans throughout the years.

Meyer's father was a WWII veteran, her grandfather served in WWI, her late husband, Tom Low, was in the Air Force, and her husband, Butch Meyer, served in the Marines. Low attended many events dedicated to veterans and was made a member of the Warriors Watch Riders, a group that helps veterans.

"She has been just a phenomenal leader for this event and in general," Bates said.

The parade recognition starts at 7 p.m. July 20 at Veterans Memorial Park. Fiesta Days will take place from July 13 to 23.