MONTICELLO — One of the highlights of Riverfest is just around the corner — the annual Riverfest Parade, which will cap off a weekend full of fun.
With a country western-theme this year, prepare to say “Yeehaw!” as the parade kicks off at noon on Sunday, July 14, whether rain or shine.
Parade-goers are urged to put on their cowboy boots and cowboy hats to join in the fun, which will see floats and marchers from local businesses, nonprofits, sports teams and other community groups cruising the streets of Monticello, handing out candies and goodies.
“It’s fun and you get to see a bunch of different things,” said 15-year-old Monticello High School sophomore Rose Brant, who said the parade is her favorite part of Riverfest.
One reason why? Seeing all of the various athletic teams that take part.
“You get to see the Monticello Fishing team, which I was on, so I think it’s cool,” she said.
The parade is one of the largest in Central Minnesota, typically drawing more than 100 different units. This year, over 130 entries for the parade were already lined up by Monday morning, according to organizer Tina Burkholder.
The Riverfest Parade will depart from the American Legion, located at 304 Elm St. at noon, with lineup scheduled there at 11 a.m. The route will follow a downtown course along Third Street, Walnut Street, Sixth Street and Minnesota Street before ending on Seventh Street.
Marching to the beat
Musical entertainment in the 2024 parade will include the St. Michael-Albertville/Monticello Marching Band, the 728 Cadets Marching Band and Kracker Jack Drumline, Burkholder said.
In addition, fez-wearing Shriners from the St. Cloud-based Osman Shrine Go-Kart Patrol Unit will thrill parade-goers as they ride go-karts in the parade.
This year, the spectacle will be led by Grand Marshal Jim Dickrell, who is Monticello’s 2024 Citizen of the Year and a longtime member of the local Lions Club.
He’ll be the first one in the parade, followed by a handful of units from American Legion Post 260 and VFW Post 8731, Vietnam Veterans of America and the Monticello Fire Department.
Along with Dickrell, other community leaders will be recognized in the parade, including presidents and honorees from the Lions and Rotary clubs, municipal and Chamber of Commerce & Industry dignitaries, business of the year and others.
The parade will also be a chance to wave to royals, with the three reigning Monticello Royal Ambassadors taking part along with the 10 candidates vying for their positions as Monticello royalty, who will each be riding in a convertible.
The parade is a cherished tradition for at least two of the candidates, including Meah Morris and Lily Tiemann, who both said it’s their favorite part of Riverfest.
“My favorite Riverfest event is the parade,” Morris said. “I have been in the parade before but watching is so much better, because who doesn’t love candy?”
Visiting royalty and their community floats from other ambassador programs will also be featured throughout the parade.
Local businesses will show off their community pride, while youth groups, church groups and civic organizations will proudly walk the streets of Monticello.
For more information, visit the Riverfest website at http://monticelloriverfest.com.
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