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Each year, the Canfield 4th of July Committee chooses a local resident to serve as the Grand Marshal of the July 4th Parade.
Mayors, educators, elected officials and people who strive to make a difference in the community have been honored throughout the parade’s 52 year history and this year’s honoree continues that tradition.
The Canfield 4th of July Committee recently announced that this year’s 2017 Parade Grand Marshal is Judge Scott Hunter.
Hunter graduated from Canfield High School in 1981, from Youngstown State in 1985 and received his Juris Doctorate from the University of Cincinnati in 1988.
Hunter has practiced law in the community for more than 30 years and has served as a Mahoning County Judge since 1999. In addition, Hunter and his partner, Attorney Robert Stevens, established the Hunter-Stevens Land Title Company in 1998.
Hunter admits he has always had a strong commitment to public service, and he credits that dedication to his upbringing in Canfield.
“Any successes I have achieved in my life are directly attributed to my parents first,” he said. “But most certainly also to the Canfield schools and community. They provided professional growth and opportunities throughout my life.”
Hunter has served as a Canfield City Councilman, a Trustee for the Cardinal Joint Fire District and in 1998, succeeded Francis “Spike” McLaughlin as Mayor of Canfield.
“That was an especially great honor for me. My Dad and Spike were great friends,” he said.
Having walked in all but one of Canfield’s parades – and many other local communities’ parades - since 1991, Hunter says he’s thrilled to be riding in the Grand Marshal’s car this year, even though it means he will miss shaking everyone’s hands along the parade route.
“Canfield was a special place to grow up,” he added, ”it will always be home.”
Hunter is a life-long Mahoning County resident, married to the former Michelle Marino, father to three girls: Ashley, Emily and Katie, and stepfather to Jessica and Austin.