Monticello parade seeks volunteers

The more the merrier. 

The saying “it takes a village” rings true for many things, including pulling off one of Monticello’s most popular annual events: The Fourth of July Parade. 

The small, but mighty, committee of community members and business leaders is losing its long-time committee member Cheryl Dirks, owner of HCH Real Estate. Dirks served on the committee since 2003, though she volunteered for years prior patrolling the intersections of the parade route.

Like most groups, someone stepped down from the parade committee and Dirks took their spot. 

Dirks herself then stepped down following the 2019 parade. And now the committee is seeking others who have an interest in organizing the parade, which attracts thousands of people to Monticello in a single day. 

“It’s time for a new face,” Dirks encouraged. “I think we should give other people an opportunity to get involved in supporting their community with their ideas, knowledge, and creativity. Let another generation who has a lot of energy and wants what’s best for our community to bring it to this committee.” 

The parade committee meets about five to six times throughout the year from February through July. 

“It’s a well-oiled machine,” said Dirks. 

Right now, the committee consists of Dan Goodyear, Monticello Express; Chris Lux, city council; Annette and Kevin Smith, Goettsch Funeral Home; and the Chamber Director Jan Hoag. Dirks said the five-member committee is ideal for an event like this. 

Annette and Kevin Smith got involved in 2002, directing traffic, providing the sound system at the emcee booth (provided by Scherrman’s Implement), and emceeing the parade. Annette said when their family started taking part in the parade on behalf of the Austin Strong Foundation, she wanted to just be a “grandma.” 

Of their involvement, Annette Smith said the Fourth is their favorite holiday. 

“Being asked to help for this occasion was something we didn’t even have to think about,” she said. “Patriotism runs deep in our family, and we jumped at the chance to be involved.” 

The committee is tasked with nominating and voting on the grand marshal and yearly parade theme. 

“It is a difficult task as there are always so many more significant people than we can possibly honor,” noted Smith. “We are so blessed to have a vibrant community with so many movers and shakers from which to choose.” 

Dirks said last year was the first time the chamber was involved in the voting process. With the parade called the “Monticello Chamber Parade,” she said the chamber should be involved versus just the few on the small committee. 

The committee also contacts community groups to urge them to take part in the parade. The parade route is discussed, with a change made last year due to road construction. There’s also the logistics in lining up judges, finding a sound system, etc. 

The grand marshal, Community Pride, and Lifetime Achievement participants require convertibles. The committee makes contacts to line those vehicles up as well. 

The biggest task is lining up the 30-plus volunteers it takes to patrol the intersections so the parade runs smoothly. Those volunteers are needed for less than two hours. The committee members themselves also put in seven to eight hours the day of the parade. 

“The day of the parade is the most time consuming and hectic,” said Dirks. “Each member of the committee has duties.” 

“Monticello excels due to the hard work of the entire population,” Smith praised. 

People are so dedicated to the Monticello Fourth of July Parade that some start lining up at 6 a.m. for the 11 a.m. event. Those lining up are handed cards to fill out for the emcees and sign for liability reasons. 

Dirks and the chamber director work the morning of, decorating the entries for the lead dignitaries. They are also given candy to toss out during the parade. 

With the Monticello Police leading the parade, Dirks said the goal is to not have gaps between entries. 

“But every year there are people walking who tend to take more time talking with spectators and run to catch up with their float,” said Dirks. “I’ve had many comments from the walking parade participants saying the parade is too fast.” (The parade typically lasts an hour and a half.) 

Dirks said the stressful moment during the parade every year is near the end, as people try to unload their float riders in a small stretch of space. 

“We have a 2- to 3-mile long line of floats behind them stalled due to their stopping,” said Dirks. “Trying to keep the parade moving is a challenge.” (The ideal unloading zone is by the 4-H barns at the fairgrounds, where the line-up begins.) 

Following the horses at the end of the parade, Dirks and her husband, another parade volunteer, Keith, bring up the rear by collecting the safety vests from the volunteers and tearing down barricades. 

Dirks said they can finally collapse in the air conditioning around 1:30/2 p.m. 

In the 30-plus year history of the parade, it started late once due to rain, but has never been cancelled. Dirks said there were a lot of angry parade goers that day it started late. For that reason, it always starts at 11 a.m. (noon if the Fourth lands on a Sunday). 

Smith said, as with any event, “ Sometimes changes need to be made. 

“With a little ducking and weaving, the parade continues to delight and bring not only local families, but families from all over Eastern Iowa,” she added. 

Dirks praises her fellow committee members for the service. She feels the committee would benefit from term limits. 

“I think everyone needs a break after a few years to give another person the opportunity to serve, bringing new ideas and energy,” Dirks said. She said sometimes groups get in a rut doing the same thing every year. 

This parade is a huge draw for Monticello every year. Dirks attributes that to the flexibility and history of the event. 

“Anyone is welcome to line up (for the parade), depending on how soon you get your float to the N. Maple Street starting line,” she explained. It’s done on a first-come first-served basis. 

Speaking to the parade’s success, Dirks said so many people and families plan their reunions and neighborhood gatherings around Monticello’s parade. 

She said it’s a convenient time during the day, so people have plenty of time to support the firemen’s breakfast as well that morning, not to mention family events in the afternoon. 

“Monticello has always had a reputation of cohesiveness and that extends from the city employees, business district and the entire school system,” Smith said of any successful community event. “With a strong backing and creativity from the general population, Monticello continues to prove itself to be a welcoming and supportive community.” 

If anyone is interested in volunteering on the parade committee or volunteering the day of the parade, contact the Monticello Chamber at 319-465-5626 or at chamber@macc-ia.us. 

“I really enjoyed working on this committee with these members,” expressed Dirks. “We are all committed, hardworking, and dependable.” 

Dirks plans to continue her volunteer service in support of the Monticello community.