The parade theme for 2014 was “Marching Toward Our Future,” due to the Town being in the process of incorporating into village status. We were again blessed with beautiful weather of sunny skies and high 70 degree temperatures.
Starting at 1:45 PM, the Cub Scout Pack #436 preceded the parade by handing out flags donated by David Leet Post #552 to bystanders to wave at the veterans, along with Southport Bank distributing bags for collecting candy. At 2:00 PM sharp, the Somers Fire Department and several local departments sounded their sirens to the delight of the crowd. Ron Bailey of Silverspoon Entertainment proceeded throughout the route and parked at Fire Station #1 to announce veterans and parade participants. He was followed by American Legion Color Guard Post #552 and Bagpiper Mary and her husband on drums to set the stage for several vehicles carrying American veterans.
Bob Heidersdorf was this year’s Parade Grand Marshall, accompanied by his niece and granddaughters, driven by Jim Moldenhauer. Bob is third generation descendant of family farmers living in the area since 1851 and runs a vegetable stand in his front yard.
This year’s entertainment included the American Band, Rambler Band, Shoreland Lutheran High School Band, KR Bluegrass Band, Jeff Winard’s Polka Band, MGV Harmonia, River City Rhythm, Billy Bear Circus Train and Jolly Giant Stilt-walkers.
Floats entered were: Snap-On Tools with Elvis the Kenosha Kingfish mascot, Saxony Manor, Somers Community Church, Providence Catholic Church, Burr Oaks Greenhouse, and Relay for Life.
The parade also included several girl and boy scout troops, local, county and state politicians, local businesses, local farmer’s tractors, classic cars, custom vans, Miss Bristol, Miss Pleasant Prairie, Miss Kenosha, and horses from Leoris’ and the Sorensen’s, which are always a favorite.
There were 78 entries in total. Approximately 5,000 people set up chairs and tents along the route to enjoy the parade and catch hundreds of pounds of candy tossed to eager faces. The parade route began at the east exit of Shoreland Lutheran High School, proceeded east to Highway E and turned the corner at EA (72nd Avenue) ending at Somers Elementary.
The Town of Somers Fire & Rescue Association sold food and beverages at Fire Station #1 along the parade route before the start of the parade to hungry parade bystanders. Immediately following the parade, we enjoyed a traditional ice cream social, served by volunteers from Bethany Lutheran Church. The Big Balloon Tycoon made balloon animals for the children, with a long line that didn’t commence until 5:30. For continued enjoyment after the parade, the KR Bluegrass Band performed in the fire department’s parking lot. Cake, ice cream, and juice donated by Wal-Mart, and water and soda donated by the proprietors of 7-Eleven, were enjoyed by the approximately 500 people who joined together at the Town Hall.
The Parade Committee continued the tradition of supporting the parade solely on generous sponsor donations the Town greatly appreciates! This year’s sponsors were:
Andrea & Orendorff LLP
Associated Appraisal Consultants
Ben and Bette Harbach
CJW, Inc.
Davison Law
Dejno’s, Inc.
Draeger-Langendorf Funeral Home, Inc.
Edna Highland
GAI Consultants
Gregg Sinnen
Huck Realty
J. Schantek
Kenosha News
Lee Plumbing Mechanical Contractors
Lifeline Billing Systems
Pat’s Services, free portables for parade-goers
Platinum Systems, Spaghetti Factory, LTD
Ron Bailey, services of dee-jaying and announcing
Sam’s Club
Shoreland Lutheran High School, parking lots and staging
Somers Elementary School, parking lots and staging
Somers Public Works, led by Mr. Rojas
Southport Bank
Stainless Products
Tri City Bank
VFW Post #2751
Wal-Mart
Somers Independence Day Parade and Ice Cream Social 2015 will be held on July 4th at 2:00 PM. The Somers Parade Committee thanks the sponsors, residents and bystanders that make this the most anticipated event of the Town.
(Article by Somers Parade Committee)