Don’t Miss the Wild Rice Festival Parade

People begin gathering early on Sunday afternoon, picking their seats to watch the parade as those marching and riding in the parade line up and prepare their buckets of candy. The first parades were “Kiddie parades”. In 1953 almost 200 children participated. In 1954 it became more than a kiddie parade with floats and bands participating. The children had a “kiddie unit” in the parade. Prizes were given to floats in various categories.

The Deer River Veterans Honor Guard leads the parade. Some of the older veterans ride behind the marchers. The Lions Club who sponsor and organize the Wild Rice Festival every year enter a colorful addition to the parade as well as other local organizations and politicians.