With the sun shining and the kids and volunteers all smiling, the City of Fort Madison kicked off the holiday weekend when hundreds came out for the 113th annual Charlie Korschgen 4th of July Kiddie Parade in the historic downtown on Friday morning.
The parade began on 15th Street on Avenue G and stretched all the way to the Loyal Order of the Moose Lodge #671.
The kids, a few grownups, and some four-legged furry volunteers all marched their way down the street, waving to onlookers and tossing candy to the kids with the sun shining bright on top of the town and the heat as toasty and expected for a Fourth of July celebration.
Parade volunteers had numerous categories they could participate in as they made their way down Avenue G, including decorated trikes, strollers, bikes, and scooters; walking/marching units; pets; humorous entries; family groups; patriotic marchers; decorated wagons and floats; and motorized entries (trucks, tractors, etc.).
The Fort Madison police and fire departments rode their vehicles through the parade along with Fort Madison Mayor Matt Mohrfeld, who served as this year’s Grand Marshal.
And one special float even featured four generations of paraders.
Afterwards, parade participants were rewarded with treats, ice cold drinks, hot dogs, bike giveaways, trophies, and other prizes and fun courtesy of the Moose Lodge.
For many who came out, the parade is an annual, can’t-miss tradition.
“I’ve been coming since my kids were little,” said Lynette Bruhl, of Fort Madison, whose children were part of the parade’s decorated wagon convoy.
“My daughter and son are in the parade, but she’s old enough now that she pushes him by herself…This is probably our fifth time coming to the parade. My oldest son won first prize the first time he (was in the parade), and then (my youngest son has won) twice now…
“We have a good time buying decorations and getting it all ready the night before. It’s just become a tradition for our family.”
For one attendee, hitting up Friday’s parade was the beginning of what will hopefully be an annual tradition for the years to come.
The last time Michael Ramirez, of Fort Madison, was able to attend the parade was 10 years ago.
But now newly retired from the railroad, Ramirez was able to make it out with family on Friday morning.
“This is my first time coming in years,” Ramirez said. “I just retired this year…I was working every day (before).”
Ramirez said he was happy just to be able to see the parade alongside his daughter, Tara Erb, who lives in the Fort Worth, Texas area, but made it back home to celebrate the holiday.
“I come every year,” Erb said. “We come back (in town for about two to three weeks) every summer around this time.”
Up until this year, Erb’s 94-year-old grandfather drove his truck as part of the parade but he had to sit this year out.
But Erb said there was plenty of other things about the parade to get excited for.
“I like the dogs when they’re dressed up and are in the parade,” she said. “I think it’s so cute.”
As the parade made its way to the Moose Lodge to collect their earnings and continue celebrating America’s Birthday, not only had the City of Fort Madison completed their annual tradition of fun and patriotism, but attendees and volunteers began to party it up for a holiday weekend sure to be filled with fireworks, cookouts, rides down the river, dips in the pool, sunny weather, and a little bit of relaxation.
And for the mayor, as he prepares to finish out his term and let someone else lead the city, the honor and joy of being named the parade’s Grand Marshal and participating in all the fun was a source of pride like no other.
“You only get to be Grand Marshal once!” Mohrfeld joked.
“(The organizers asked me if I’ve serve as this year’s Grand Marshal), and I said ‘Would I do it? I’m honored to do it…
“It’s a great turnout today. It’s hot, but it’s a beautiful day.
“There’s four generations out here. You got dads and kids and moms and grandparents and great-grandparents (all in attendance).
“What a Fourth of July family event. It’s very cool.
“I’m proud of Fort Madison for keeping this going as many years as they have.
“It’s a real testimony to our commitment to family.”
