The kids put down their brand new Mr. Potato Head toys, or their newly published Diary of Anne Frank. Dad put down his newspaper, where he had just read about the test of the first hydrogen bomb and Jonas Salk’s life saving discovery of the Polio vaccine. Mom is still singing the tunes from “The Sound of Music” she heard at the theater last night. The family jumps in the Studebaker Champion and heads for downtown De Pere to join the crowds lining the streets for a brand new event. The De Pere Kiwanis is hosting a Memorial Day parade!
That was 1952. Fast forward 65 years, and you will see the same big crowds, the same enthusiasm, and the same excitement. Even though the Studebaker is now an SUV, Mr. Potato Head is now an app on the kids’ phones, and the tunes in mom’s head are from “Sing” rather than “The Sound of Music”, one thing continues, the De Pere Kiwanis are still hosting the Memorial Day parade.
Over a hundred parade entries and thousands of spectators line a path from West De Pere High School to Voyageur Park where later that day Celebrate De Pere wraps up the long weekend with a Veteran’s Salute and great live music and food. Spectators along the route are treated to floats, marching bands, Veteran’s groups singing out in cadence as they march, and of course the candy! It is the largest Memorial Day Parade in the State, and one of the largest in the nation. If you have never attended, it is truly a sight to behold.
Parade Chairman Terry Hasselbacher commented, “The forecast is 70 degrees and sunny, typical parade weather. Throughout the years, no matter the weather for the rest of the weekend, it always seems to be nice for the parade.”
While the 50’s may be long gone, the spirit of community that began 65 years ago is certainly still present today. The club is quite proud to be able to continue the tradition, and appreciates the huge support from the community that has been the hallmark of the event for so many years. Come on out and enjoy the parade, and who knows, if you look carefully, you might even still see that old Studebaker.
Parade starts at 10am. Find your perfect spot early.
