“I can sum up the 2022 Madeline Island Wilderness Preserve Fourth of July parade float in a single word: rain. After months of planning we got rained out, first time ever. MIWP floats rely heavily on soluble paper, and it was pouring. A million thanks to Eric and to Jennifer Engstrom who stayed up all night making plans but never got a chance to strut their stuff.”

— Victoria Erhart

THE JULY 4TH PARADE RETURNS

By Victoria Erhart, Spring 2022

It has been a while, and the old parade-making juices are slow to bubble up out of wherever they have been hiding for the last three years. But there WILL be a 2022 MIWP 4th of July Parade and it WILL be fabulous, with all the drama and insight you have come to expect from our dedicated team.

Thematically we are leaning towards a celebration of the MIWP trails system, an expansive and ever-improving network of which we are justifiably proud. Details are sketchy but hopes are high!

We would absolutely love to have you join us. Everyone — individuals, families and kids of all ages, and all species, are welcome.

Cast of 1000s (or at least dozens). Three groups will walk (no float):

Trail Blazers: wear jeans and sturdy shoes, bring shovels, loppers, or other trail-making tools, and things that make noise!
Hikers: wear khaki and hiking boots, bring hiking poles.
Trees: wear neutral, use birch bark or sapling trees ( i.e. balsam) to decorate yourselves as trees.

We will have more costume elements to add on parade day, so you can also just come as you are, ready to make noise and have fun.

Meet under the MIWP banner at the Marina at 10:00am prior to parade start (the parade usually starts at 10:30am).