Homecoming parade to welcome Stutzman to Fairfield on Saturday

FAIRFIELD – Fairfield residents are encouraged to give Matt Stutzman a champion’s welcome upon his return to town after winning a gold medal in archery at the Paralympic Games in Paris, France.

Stutzman not only won an Olympic gold medal but did so by breaking the Paralympic scoring record by posting a score of 149 points out of a possible 150 in the championship match. Stutzman, known as the “Armless Archer,” defeated China’s Ai Xinliang on Sunday, Sept. 1.

Fairfield resident Dawn Ridgeway Bechtel is organizing a parade to honor Stutzman, which will begin at 1 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 7 and go from Fesler Auto Mall on the west edge of town to Central Park.

When Stutzman won the silver medal at the 2012 Paralympic Games in London, Ridgeway Bechtel organized a parade for Stutzman then, too. She was inspired to do it after learning there was no parade planned for his return. In less than 24 hours, she was able to put one together.

Ridgeway Bechtel said she hopes a large crowd will greet Stutzman at 1 p.m. Saturday along the parade route.

“No matter what he does, we’re proud of him,” she said. “We knew this was his goal, and we want to cheer him on and let him know his hometown is so proud of him.”

Call Andy Hallman at 641-575-0135 or email him at andy.hallman@southeastiowaunion.com

[Editor’s note: The original version of this story listed a different time and date for the parade.]