Storm Lake Seeks Grand Marshal Nominations for 2026 Fourth of July Parade

Commodores Tyler and Deidre Aube are calling on Storm Lake residents to nominate someone worthy of leading the Big Parade this Fourth of July, with nomination forms due May 1.

Nominations are now being accepted for the Star Spangled Spectacular's Big Parade Grand Marshal, and the committee will use a three-question nomination form to choose the parade leader. The deadline to submit falls on May 1, leaving prospective nominators just over a month to make their case.

The Star Spangled Spectacular is a two-day festival that features concerts, a massive parade, a patriotic ceremony, Artists' Alley, street performers, a classic car cruise, food vendors, and more. The event is held on July 3 and July 4, with multiple events spread across those two days. The Big Parade sits at the heart of it all, serving as the centerpiece of Storm Lake's Independence Day celebration.

The Grand Marshal role carries real weight in the community. Last year, Buena Vista County's Upper Des Moines Opportunity outreach specialist and interpreter Maggie Reyes was named Grand Marshal for the Big Parade. Her selection reflected the committee's attention to community impact, a standard that will likely frame the 2026 selection as well.

The committee takes the event's annual theme into consideration when selecting the Grand Marshal, and the winner is typically announced in early June. The Big Parade begins at 10:30 a.m. on July 4.

Nomination forms and additional details are available at starspangledspectacular.net. The City of Storm Lake's Facebook page has also shared the call for nominations, noting that "Storm Lake's annual Independence Day celebration is now accepting Grand Marshal nominations for its 2026 Big Parade.