MARQUETTE — This year’s Marquette July 4th Parade is special since the Nation’s 250th birthday is being celebrated. The theme for the parade is One Nation Indivisible – 250 Years.

The parade start time is 2 p.m. at McClellan Avenue and West Washington Street. Attendees should plan to arrive at 1:15 p.m. or earlier as the nearby streets are closed then. The parade float line up time is 1 p.m.

To apply for entering a float or car go online to https://bit.ly/KiwanisMQTParadeApplication or the website marquettefourth.com. Organizers still need 10 additional volunteer crossing guards to keep children safe.

Those with mobility issues are invited to park at the Nicolet Bank parking lot on Lincoln Avenue and West Washington Street but need to arrive no later than 1:15 p.m., otherwise roads will be blocked.

Kiwanis plans to have 80 floats in the parade. This is the 31st year that the Marquette Kiwanis Club has sponsored the Parade with the city of Marquette.

Military veterans will lead the parade along with Uncle Sam and Lady Liberty. This year’s parade marshall is Peggy and Peter Frazier who are honored for their extensive community service for Lake Superior Theater. City Mayor Paul Schloegel, Northern Michigan University President Chris Olsen and Veteran of the Year, Mike Tarr, a local veteran, will also ride in convertibles.

Organizers have a special opportunity to fight hunger: Bring canned goods to donate to a Salvation Army float.

This year, organizers will have five bands and 16 youth floats, such as the Scottish Pipes and Drums, high school band and dance team, the NMU Pep Band and the Ahmed Clowns on bikes.

Organizers want to thank their financial sponsors who generously covered the cost of the parade: Travel Marquette, Marquette Rotary, First Bank, Northern Michigan University, Ojibwa Casino and Nheena Ittner and Neil Cumberlege. 

Organizers also want to thank the 65 Kiwanis volunteers and 20 NMU police cadets who will be crossing guards.