Pennington Family Named Grand Marshals of 2026 Glendale Crossing Festival Parade

GLENDALE, KY — September 2026 — The Glendale Crossing Festival Committee is proud to announce that the Pennington family — Tim and Carrie Pennington and their daughter, Mackenzie — has been selected as the Grand Marshals of the 2026 Glendale Crossing Festival Parade, which will take place Saturday, October 17, in historic downtown Glendale.

The decision was made during the festival committee's recent meeting, where members discussed the importance of recognizing individuals and families who embody the spirit, character and community pride that have long been at the heart of the Glendale Crossing Festival. 

This year, that honor belongs to the family of Staff Sgt. Benjamin “Ben” Pennington, the Glendale native who gave his life serving his country earlier this year.

Pennington, 26, died March 8, 2026, after sustaining injuries during an attack on Prince Sultan Air Base in Saudi Arabia while serving with the U.S. Army's 1st Space Battalion, 1st Space Brigade. He was posthumously promoted to staff sergeant.

For the people of Glendale, however, Ben was much more than a soldier. He was a hometown son, brother, friend, Eagle Scout and member of the community who carried a desire to serve his country from an early age. His family and community have continued to share stories of his character, generosity, and dedication to those around him.

In the months since his death, the Glendale community has repeatedly come together to honor Ben and support his family. Local residents lined the streets with American flags and yellow ribbons during a procession held in his honor, demonstrating the close connection between the Pennington family and the community they call home.

That connection has continued throughout the year.

The Pennington family has spoken publicly about Ben's lifelong desire to serve and the impact he had on those around him. His father, Tim, and sister, Mackenzie, have continued to help tell his story and preserve the legacy of a young man whose life was deeply rooted in Glendale and the surrounding community. 

The Glendale Crossing Festival Committee believes honoring Tim, Carrie and Mackenzie Pennington as Grand Marshals provides an opportunity for the entire community to stand together once again — this time not only in remembrance of Ben's sacrifice, but in celebration of the family, hometown and community that helped shape him

The Glendale Crossing Festival has celebrated the community and its heritage for decades. The annual festival brings thousands of visitors to historic Glendale and features hundreds of vendors, food, entertainment, and the traditional Crossing Festival Parade.

This year's parade will offer a particularly meaningful opportunity for Glendale residents and visitors to come together to recognize the Pennington family and remember a young man whose life of service touched people far beyond his hometown.

The Glendale Crossing Festival Committee invites everyone to line the streets of downtown Glendale on October 17 and join in honoring Tim, Carrie and Mackenzie Pennington as the 2026 Glendale Crossing Festival Parade Grand Marshals, while remembering Ben and the legacy he leaves behind.