2013 Information – A Big Thank You!!
On behalf of the entire community who attended and enjoyed the parade and ice cream social this year, a big thank you is extended to all of those listed below who made the parade possible. Hundreds and hundreds of volunteer hours and hard earned dollars are invested in this popular Somers event making this year’s parade was one of the best! As luck would have it, our Wisconsin weather was perfect which added to the enjoyment of the more than 4,000 people that came to our Town. View our photo gallery here!
Event Planning & Identity Committee – Members at the time of the parade planning
Infusino, Tony
Janusz, Sharon (Co-Chair)
Orth, Donald
Smith, Nina (Chairperson)
Smith-Sullivan, Chris
Volunteers of Time and Talent
Bailey, Ron
Bethany Lutheran Church
Classic car owners who transported War Veterans
Domes, Mary
Elliott, Beth
Gehring, Jenna
Harbach, Ben and Bettie
Highland, Edna
Schantek, J.
Smith, Steve
Smith-Sullivan, Chris
Summers-Lichter, Judy
Wagner, Judy
Zirbel, Larry and Greta
Donations of Money and Goods
Always There Pet Care
BP Open Pantry
CJW, Inc.
Countryside Gallery
Davison Law Office
Harbach, Ben
Highland, Edna
Home Depot
Huck Realty
Jantz Auto Sales
Jelly Belly
Kenosha Country Club
K-Mart
Lowe’s
Pat’s Service
Rojas, Robert
Sam’s Club
Schantek, J.
Shoreland Lutheran High School
Sinnen, Gregg
Stainless Products, Inc.
Talmer Bank
Tri City Bank
University of Wisconsin-Parkside
Wal Mart
About the 2013 Somers Parade and Ice Cream Social
This year’s theme for the 2013 Town of Somers Independence Day Parade and Ice Cream Social was “Somers Salutes our American War Heroes”. Approximately fifty veterans spanning from World War II to present day were honored by leading the parade. Starting at 1:45, the American Legion Riders motored out of Shoreland Lutheran High School’s parking lot and were followed by Somers Cub Scout Pack #436 who handed out flags to the eager bystanders to wave at the veterans.
Promptly at 2:00 p.m., the Somers Fire and Rescue Department and several neighboring departments sounded their sirens and horns signifying the official start of the parade. They were followed by members of Somers American Legion David Leet Post #552 and several vehicles filled with our honored American veterans who were greeted with cheers and waving flags from the crowd.
The 2013 Parade Marshalls were Ron and Marlene Birchell who’s family were early pioneers of Somers Township. Today the family owns and operates Burr Oak Greenhouse and Country Gift Shoppe in the Town of Somers.
Great music was provided by the American Band, Rambler Band, Kenosha Pipes and Drums, Shoreland High School Band and the KR Bluegrass Band. Other entries included several Girl and Boy Scout troops, five floats, local and state politicians, Miss Bristol, Miss Pleasant Prairie, and Miss Kenosha. Over 20 tractors, many vintage and owned by Somers families, represented our Town’s rich agricultural heritage. Always a favorite, beautiful horses pranced down the parade route ridden by members of the Leoris and Sorensen familes. Twenty classic cars were enjoyed by all car enthusiasts and hundreds of pounds of candy were tossed by parade participants along the entire route that ended at the Somers Elementary School.
Before the parade began, members of the parade committee drove along the parade route selling water, soda, popcorn, and raffle tickets. There was a 50-50 raffle and lucky winners took home a ladies bike, a girl’s bike, and a gas grill. Immediately following the parade, the community went to the Town Hall for the traditional Somers Ice Cream Social. Ice cream, juice, and several varieties of delicious cake were donated by our neighbor, Wal Mart, located on Highway 31 and S. Serving cake and ice cream were volunteers from Bethany Lutheran Church. Children stood in line to have Pepper the Clown paint their faces and request The Big Balloon Tycoon to make their favorite balloon animal. The Kona Ice Truck sold snow cones and the Somers Fire and Rescue sold food and refreshments on site throughout the event. No one went away hungry!
If you joined us this year, we hope you and your family enjoyed the day. If you missed the parade and ice cream social this year, we invite you to join us next year for a great family event in the Town of Somers.