Lifetime Hayes resident and commercial waterman J.C. West Jr. will lead this weekend’s 37th Guinea Jubilee as the parade grand marshal.

West, who has been working on the water for 52 years, said he has really enjoyed his lifetime as a commercial waterman and said it has allowed him to provide a way of life for his family.

Born and raised near Tidemill, West later moved about three miles up the road to Hayes, where he currently resides. “I didn’t go far,” he said. He and his wife Carrie have been married for 40 years.

On being selected as grand marshal, West said, “I think it’s a great honor; something special and a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.”

West said his mother, who is 90 years old, has always said she wished he would be selected for the honor. “I’m just excited she’ll get to see it this weekend, Lord willing,” he said.

West said family is extremely important to him. “My wife and my children—we ar...