A big attraction of this weekend’s 350th anniversary of Marquette and Jolliet’s Expedition will be the parade on Sunday starting at 1:00pm. The Grand Marshalls will be Stephanie Ruetten and her 91 year old mother, Ella Demers-Ruetten, who are decedents of Louis Jolliet.
The Parade route has been updated with line up starting at noon at North Illinois Street and West Blackhawk Avenue. The route will head west on Blackhawk Avenue, turn north on Prairie Street, turn west on Louis Street, north on Main Street, and end at the Washington Street Park.
To be included for judging, your entry must be lined up at North Illinois and West Blackhawk Avenue no later than 12:30 pm. Judging will take place during the parade. Your entry must display a 350th Anniversary or Fur Trader theme to qualify for awards. Parade awards include the Mayor’s Award, Grand Marshals Award, Parade Spirit Award which best demonstrates the 350th Anniversary theme of the parade, Business Award to the best entry from a local business, Civic Award to the best entry from a civic or nonprofit organization, the School Award to the best float or band entry from a school, and the Sound/Movement Award to the best entry for a band or dance group.
Complete parade details including a map of the route can be found at expedition350.com.