The Jacksonport Thanksgiving Parade, a fun-loving tradition started by Jeri Taylor and Verlin Kiehnau, grounds itself in the notion of neighbors helping neighbors… while getting together to have a really good time.
Jeri Taylor and Verlin Kiehnau
Realizing what they could do for their community, the “parade committee” decided they would choose a local charity or family-in-need every year.
The Phillips family, who live near Jacksonport, is this year’s recipient of the Jacksonport Parade’s fund raising proceeds because their story exemplifies the spirit in which this parade was founded. Rafael Phillips, the three-year old son of Amy and Dave Phillips, remains hospitalized suffering from complications due to viral meningitis and encephalitis. Rafael has been in the intensive care unit in a Green Bay hospital since early September, and his family is struggling with the new challenges.
People who want to contribute but won’t be able to attend the parade, can make out a check to Amy Phillips or they can make a check out to “Feed My People” and that money will be used for the Christmas family that is adopted each year as well. Anyone wanting to send a check can make it payable to either one they choose and send it to:
Jacksonport Thanksgiving Day Parade
c/o Jeri Taylor
PO Box 611
Fish Creek WI 54212
Past parades have raised money for
- “Feed My People”
- breast cancer research
- help for the Jacksonport Fire Department to purchase a new defibulator
- a young mother with stage four brain cancer.
The committee also makes it a priority every year to adopt a family for Christmas, delighting not only in the spirit of the season but knowing that for at least one family, the world will look a little brighter that morning.
Parade viewers can expect the same blend of eclectic floats and characters mixed with a traditional Jacksonport fire truck, a color guard, maybe a camel and of course, Santa! Your own creative participation in the parade is highly encouraged.
The parade starts at the Jacksonport Fire Station on County V, takes a right on Highway 57 to Mike’s Port Pub where it turns around and heads down to the Square Rigger and then finally ends up at J.J.’s of Jacksonport. J.J.’s will be open during and after the parade. One of the best things about the Jacksonport Thanksgiving Day parade is that as a spectator, you can see it up to three times in its 4-block journey.
The 13th Annual Jacksonport Thanksgiving Day Parade will be held on Thursday, November 26 at 12 noon. Plan to attend at the corner of Hwy. 57 and County V. Anyone wishing to participate in the parade should be at the Jacksonport Fire Station by 11:30 am. For more information please contact Jeri Taylor at 920.823.2075 or 920.559.0586.
