Oaklawn, MAEDA, Rotary Band join forces for Fourth of July in Marshall

MARSHALL — When crowds convene at the Fountain Circle on the Fourth of July, they can expect to see hundreds of youngsters, animals, colorfully decorated bicycles and other wheeled vehicles joining the fun of the 2022 Oaklawn Pet, Bike & Wagon Parade.

The parade will step off at 10 a.m. Monday, July 4, and circle Brooks Memorial Fountain as part of the city’s Independence Day observance. It also will kick off many other traditional Independence Day activities.

Another Fourth of July tradition — the Marshall Chicken BBQ — will get under way at 11 a.m., featuring a lunch of barbecued chicken, hotdogs and ice cream. The event is being sponsored by the Marshall Area Economic Development Alliance.

Barbecue tickets at $12 each are being sold in advance at the Marshall Welcome Center and at Hemmingsen’s Drug Store. Participants are encouraged to bring lawn chairs and blankets. Additional information about the barbecue is available at choosemarshall.com/event/july-4th-chicken-bbq.

During the barbecue, a performance by the Marshall Rotary Band will start at 11 a.m., conducted by Dave Conklin and announced by Alan Elliott. Performances are to include the “1812 Overture” by Tchaikovsky, military service marches and a trumpet solo by Conklin, according to Dennis G. Smith, the band’s president.

Oaklawn representatives serving as parade judges will be President and CEO Gregg Beeg, Chief Medical Officer Dr. Summer Liston-Crandall, Director of Clinical Affairs Dr. Matthew Ralph, pain-management provider Dr. Timothy Kwiecien and  physical therapy manager Tracy Winnie. Sarah Jack, an Oaklawn marketing associate, will be the master of ceremonies.

There is no fee to participate in the parade, but registration is required. To be assured of participation in the parade, registrations are urged by July 1. Registrations are being accepted entirely online at oaklawnhospital.org/parade-registration, where complete rules and regulations also may be viewed.

Late registrations will be accepted only from 8:30 to 9:30 a.m. on the day of the event, in front of the Crary Condominiums building, near the National House Inn. 

Children ages 3 through 12 are invited to create costumes and decorations that reflect the Independence Day celebration. A parent’s authorization is required in order for any child to participate in the parade. All animals must be properly caged or leashed.

Fourth of July-themed toys will be presented to all participants. First-, second- and third-place honors are to be awarded in each of the categories — pets, bikes and wagons — in the form of ribbons and “Marshall Bucks.”

All bikers riding in the parade must wear helmets. Oaklawn is making helmets available for $5 to those who don’t bring their own. Lineup for the parade will begin at 9:40 a.m. the day of the event.

For additional information, contact the hospital’s marketing office at (269) 789-3942. Additional information may be found online at www.oaklawnhospital.org/parade.