Community parades were effected by COVID-19, but are back and better than ever.
Following is a sampling of parades, I attend in NE Iowa and SE Minnesota every year. The Hesper-Mabel Steam Engine Days parade was the first parade I ever attended and will always remain on the top of my list of favorite parades. My memories attending the Hesper-Mabel Steam Engine Days is long and I will never forget them.
What makes an excellent parade? Royalty, floats, horses, dogs, antique cars, motorcycles, youth groups, politicians, color guards, marching bands, clowns, candy toss, and attendees of all ages, sizes, and colors.
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St. Patrick’s Day Parade, Waukon, IA – March 17, 2024
The Waukon St. Patrick’s Day parade is the first St. Patrick’s Day parade I had ever attended. Since my birthday is March 17, you would think that I had been to many parades to celebrate my birthday. It was not till I came back for a visit and got reacquainted with Tony that I even thought about attending a St. Patrick’s Day parade in the driftless region. It was awesome to see so many people wearing green and shamrocks and floats decked out in green. Even the dogs and horses wore green.
Syttendi Mai, Spring Grove, MN – May 15-19, 2024
A fun parade in the neighboring town of Spring Grove, MN. Syttendi Mai celebrates Constitution Day, a national day in Norway, on May 17. It should be noted that Spring Grove is Minnesota’s first Norwegian settlement.
Trout Days, Preston, MN – May 17-19, 2024
Preston, MN celebrates trout fishing in May each year. On a scale of 1-10, Preston’s parade is a 10. I highly recommend attending and while you are visiting Preston, try your luck at fishing the cold-water streams in the area.
Laura Days, Burr Oak, IA – June 21-23, 2024
When in Burr Oak, IA for Laura Days parade make time to include a visit to the Laura Ingalls Wilder Museum, and don’t forget to take in the other activities. Ladies, this is your opportunity to wear your bonnet, floral dress, and apron. Men, wear your britches and make sure your britches are tucked inside your boots.
Gammel Dag Fest, Peterson, MN – June 22, 2024
Norwegian festivities are a common occurrence in NE Iowa and SE Minnesota.
4th of July Celebration, Harmony, MN – July 4, 2024
In my opinion, a parade is not a parade without a band. I love the sound of music filling the air while watching a parade, plus it is fun to watch the band members playing their instruments and the drill team, flag squad, and twirlers perform.
Fourth of July Celebration, Cherry Grove, MN – July 4, 2024
Cherry Grove, is a Midwestern town of less than 50 in southeast Minnesota. The parade draws over a thousand parade watchers to the town’s annual 4th of July parade. The 30-minute parade is followed by a tradition church luncheon at the local church.
Nordic Fest, Decorah, IA – July 25-27, 2024
Nordic Fest is so popular that spectators stake out their favorite spot to watch the parade, days in advance.
Sweet Corn Days, Lime Springs, IA – August 9-11, 2024
Lime Spring’s parade is as good as the free delicious sweet Iowa corn served.
Hesper-Mabel Steam Engine Days, Mabel, MN – September 5-8, 2024
I have so many happy memories from attending the Hesper-Mabel Steam Engine Days all these years. Unique to this parade is that the parade is held on both Saturday and Sunday. The Saturday parade is the largest of the two, but the Sunday parade is by no means small.
Santa’s Holiday Parade, Cresco, IA – November 29, 2024
Where is the snow! Even without snow, the holiday parade in Cresco is spectacular and should not be missed.
Lighted Holiday Parade, Decorah, IA – December 13, 2024
Santa Claus stops by and has his picture taken with all the good little girls and boys after the Light Parade in Decorah, IA.
Winter Wonderland Celebration, Caledonia, MN – December 6, 2024
Unique to this nighttime parade is the hot-air balloon entry. The balloon is inflated, the burners are lit lighting up the black sky.