Parades are back and better than ever.
Following is a list of parades, I attend in NE Iowa and SE Minnesota every year. The Hesper-Mabel Steam Engine Days parade, I have been attending since I was a sly little six-year-old.
What makes an excellent parade? Royalty, floats, horses entries, dogs, antique cars, motorcycles, youth groups, politicians, color guards, marching bands, clowns, candy toss, and attendees of all ages.
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St. Patrick’s Day Parade, Waukon, IA – March 13, 2022
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 13-15, 2022
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 20-21, 2022
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 25, 2022
When in Burr Oak, IA for Laura Days make time to include a visit to the Laura Ingalls Wilder Museum, and don’t forget to take in the other festivities. Ladies, this is your opportunity to wear your bonnet, floral dress, and apron. Men, wear your britches and boots.
Gammel Dag Fest, Peterson, MN – June 25, 2022
Norwegian festivities are a common occurrence in NE Iowa and SE Minnesota.
4th of July Celebration, Harmony, MN – July 1 – July 4, 2022
A parade is not a parade without a band.
Nordic Fest, Decorah, IA – July 28-30, 2022
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 12-14, 2022
The parade is as good as the delicious sweet Iowa corn.
Hesper-Mabel Steam Engine Days, Mabel, MN – September 8-11, 2022
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 not small.
Santa’s Holiday Parade, Cresco, IA – November 24, 2022
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 1, 2022
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 2, 2022
Unique to this nighttime parade is the hot-air balloon. The balloon is inflated, the burners are lite, lighting up the black sky.