By Cynthia Grau/WJEZ News

The Pontiac Area Chamber of Commerce announced Tuesday that Nathan Joerndt has been chosen as the 2016 Thresherman’s Parade Grand Marshal.

A surprise announcement was made at Tuesday’s Pontiac Rotary meeting, where Joerndt is a member. He and Chamber executive director Mindi Terrell reacted shortly after the announcement.

“I am excited. I am very speechless. I mean, grand marshal? I can’t believe it. It is a really big honor. Thank you,” Joerndt said.

“We are happy to have you,” Terrell said to Joerndt. “When we were going through the list of people who have been nominated, we knew nobody besides you was the epitome of happiness.”

Joerndt is known for his piano and vocal skills he lends to several events, along with his participation with the Livingston County Adapted Recreation and his longtime job as a greeter with Pontiac Walmart. This year’s parade theme is “Route 66: The Road to Happiness.”