HIBBING—The Hibbing Area Chamber of Commerce has selected Bob Kearney to be honored as 2024 Hibbing Jubilee Grand Parade Grand Marshal.
This year’s Jubilee Parade is at 3 p.m. Saturday, July 13 on Howard Street and First Avenue, and is part of an action packed events schedule.
Kearney is a lifelong resident of Hibbing, and for more than 30 years has been giving tours of his alma mater, historic Hibbing High School.
When Kearney received the call to notify him of the honor, it came as quite a surprise.
“I thought it was a robo call or something,” Kearney said was his initial reaction.
Fortunately, he recognized the voice of Hibbing Area Chamber Director Shelly Hanson.
“She taught an acting class at the stage with the kids,” Kearney said.
Hanson, in an email earlier this week, explained the nomination process for grand marshal.
“Community members are asked to nominate a person whose contributions impact the Hibbing community,” Hanson wrote. “The names and their contributions are then reviewed by the board of directors who vote their choice for the title of grand marshal.”
There were eight nominations for the honor this year, Hanson noted.
Kearny’s contributions to the community listed on the nomination included the Hibbing High School tours, his service to the Hibbing Tourist/Senior Center Board of Directors, “and the list goes on.”
“He does all of these things joyfully and enjoys helping our community,” it stated in a nomination letter, Hanson said.
Kearney is a 1966 graduate of Hibbing High School, and a retired head of maintenance at the school and now is a caretaker for an apartment complex in Hibbing.
Along with giving tours during the Hibbing High School 100th Anniversary celebration, Kearney served as a co-chair of the planning committee.
Kearney said his goal each day is to “get up and be the best person you can be that day.”
In his spare time, Kearney said he enjoys playing golf, and spending time with his family: son, Jason and his wife, Teresa and grandson Brayden and daughter, Stefanie and her husband, Michael and granddaughter, Devin.
Kearney said he looks forward to carving out time in his busy schedule to lead the parade as 2024 Grand Marshal.
The Hibbing Jubilee is from July 11 to July 13. Below are some of the events planned in conjunction with this year’s celebration.
July 11: Business After Hours at 4 p.m. at Mr. Nick’s Bar
July 12: Sidewalk Days, from 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. Fireworks at dusk
July 13: First Avenue Mile—The City of Hibbing Parks and Recreation is bringing back the single-mile race along First Avenue in downtown Hibbing after a 25 year hiatus.
Runners and walkers of all ages and abilities are invited to participate. The race will begin near the First Avenue Boulevard (near First Avenue and 31st Street.). Racers will head north to the finish near First Avenue and Howard Street. There are three race divisions.
Same day registration begins at 8 a.m.
Competitive run at 9 a.m. (approximately 8:00/mile and faster)
Recreational run at 9:20 a.m. (approximately 8:00-12:00/mile)
Fun run at 9:40 a.m. (all speeds welcome)
Pre-race day registration is $10 through July 12 and $25 on the day of. All participants will receive a t-shirt, a keychain, gelato coupon, and a full-size donut at the finish line. Race winners will receive all of those items, plus an event street sign and a free bowl of gelato.
You can register at https://hibbing.finnlyconnect.com/registration/activitylist.
Festival on Fifth- Crafters and vendors are set up between 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. at Fifth Avenue East, between the Hibbing Public Library and Hibbing City Hall.
Kids’ Carnival- From 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. on the lawn of Hibbing City Hall including kids games, candy prizes, pony rides, and more.
Jubilee Parade- Starts at 3 p.m. with a route from First Avenue by National Bank of Commerce and Ninth Avenue and Howard Street.
Street dance-Music from 5 p.m. to 11 p.m., food vendors, bounce houses, and more.
For more information go to the chamber Facebook page.
Most Popular
Comments / 0