Deer River Wild Rice Festival Parade
Honor Guard People begin gathering early on Sunday afternoon, picking their seats to watch the parade. The first parades were "Kiddie parades". In 1953 almost 200 children participated. In 1954 it became more than a kiddie parade with floats and bands participating. The children had a "kiddie unit" in the parade. Prizes were given to floats in various categories.

The Deer River Veterans Honor Guard leads the parade. Some of the older veterans ride behind the marchers.

Clowns Hardware Hank
Clowns always add color to the parade and here they throw candy to the children who eagerly collect it into their bags. Hardware Hank is an annual fixture in the Wild Rice Festival parade. He also provides the children with more goodies.
Lions Club Float High School Band
The Lions Club who sponsor and organize the Wild Rice Festival every year enter a colorful addition to the parade. All parades need music and the Deer River Band is ready to perform.
Dance Line We're off to see...
What is a parade without majorettes? A group of local girls demonstrate what they have learned about marching. The kiddie parade gives children an opportunity to dress up. There is ice cream and treats after the parade as well as drawings for prizes.

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