Nominate Shorewood's Fourth of July Parade Marshal

Since 1989, Shorewood has thrown a nice Fourth of July parade complete with events at the lake, and a grand fireworks display that garners people from far and wide. 

The event is a collaborative effort by the village, key volunteers, and the Shorewood Foundation. Jan Zehren has been coordinating the parade and grand marshal events since 2003. The parade will include music, floats, and fun, followed by the traditional free ice cream giveaway at Spector Field. The grand marshals lead the parade and guide the way, which is followed by events at Atwater Park and fireworks in the evening.

Local sponsor, , hosted a to benefit the Fourth of July expenses, and provided $500 to the committee towards a $5,000 need to bring marching bands to the parade. Donations are still welcome and should be directed to the Fourth of July fund at the Shorewood Foundation.

According to Diane deWindt-Hall, assistant to the village manager, the first grand marshals were appointed in 1989. Larry and Pat Hammond and Dick and Kay Ross appear first on the list on the plaque sponsored by the Shorewood Foundation, which is located in the Village Hall.

Karen De Hartog, president of the , says the honor is bestowed upon residents who have made significant contributions to the life of the community, usually as volunteers. The winners for the year get to ride in the parade and are introduced and honored at the activities. 

“The Grand Marshal program was started as a way to honor and highlight the activities of Shorewood residents who have added to the community's quality of life due to their volunteer efforts,“ she said.

Past winners include:

2011 — Alex and Barbara Hill

2010 — Dan Zens

2009 — Dan Ford and LeRoy Augustine

2008 — The Mark and Linda Keane Family

2007 — Lorraine and Bill Shimeta

2006 — Clarence and Marilyn Jeffords, and Stan McCoy

2005 — Donn Cazel, Tom Pexton, John and Peggy Papenfus

2004 — Marilyn John and Jim Larson

2003 — Bob and Bonnie Adams, Roger Benway, Sue Ewens, and Wayne and Rose Smith

This year, Zehren would like to throw open the suggestion box to you, and solicit your help to nominate someone for grand marshal to ride in the chariot for the Fourth of July parade and be acknowledged at the activities.

Submit your nominations by June 13 to , 3930 N. Murray Ave., Shorewood, WI  53211. Include the name, address, and phone number of the person nominated and the person doing the nominating, along with a description of the nominee's community involvement.