Pat and Bill Benner are the 2024 Old Bristol Days Parade grand marshals! 

Bill and Pat (Crook) Benner both grew up in Bristol and attended schools there. Bill served two years in the U.S. Army in Germany. He later worked for the local Contel Phone Company for 35 years.

Pat and Bill got married in 1954 and raised four children. They now are proud of their six grandchildren and 11 great-grandchildren. They both have been very active in town affairs and committees. Bill was elected to Bristol's Board of Selectmen 13 times! (he humbly explained that in those earlier years each election was for a 1-year term, and later became 3-year terms)  He also served on the planning board , an earlier comprehensive planning committee, and 4 years on the school board. He was a past Master of the Seaside Grange and Master of the Bristol Masons.  

Pat was always by his side helping with fundraisers for these organizations, including grilling burgers and hot dogs near Fort William Henry during Bristol Days. On those same Colonial Pemaquid grounds they camped out in costume as part of the re-enactment of the Bristol Militia for many years.

Bill and Pat are long-time active members of the Congregational Church of Bristol and Pat has been very busy helping to run suppers, bake sales, and the annual church fair. Bill has helped with those church events and many more.

These Bristol parade grand marshals have given much to the town and keep on giving! Thank you to Bill and Pat!