MARQUETTE, Mich. (WZMQ) – It’s not often you see a community celebrate together quite as strong as on America’s birthday. The Marquette Kiwanis Club makes sure to bring that spirit every year — for 30 years now.
‘United We Stand’ was this year’s parade theme, with organizers saying it’s a day to be proud to come together.
“With all the divisions that we have in America, this is the one day during the year that we can come together,” said Robert Anderson, parade director for the Marquette Kiwanis Club. “We respect each others liberties and we come together for freedom.”
This year’s Parade Marshal is former Mayor of Marquette and current Chair of the Marquette County Health Department, Bob Kulisheck.
“I was honored to be asked to help out today,” said Kulisheck. “We all have all different points of view, but on the Fourth of July we can come to celebrate our nation’s birthday.”
The parade included a record number of musicians and youth participants. The event hit its limit of 80 floats and organizations, for a fair reason.
“If you have more than 80 floats, people will get bored, so we have to set a limit,” said Anderson.
Many veterans were also recognized on Friday. This included Marquette County Veteran of the Year, Ray Carlson, and Michigan Veteran of the Year, also from Marquette, Jim Provost.
“They got us up front, so we’ll get done quick, hopefully before the rain,” said Provost.
It’s clear from Friday, that Marquette has a way of celebrating tradition and community that proudly honors the red white and blue. A full schedule of Fourth of July events in Marquette can be found at marquettefourth.com.
