2023 Entry: Some Like It Hot

Frolicking ticks take home the prize! The 2023 MIWP Fourth of July parade float “Some Like it Hot”, an ecological treatise on deer ticks and other unlovable beasties loving a warming climate, earned the coveted Best Float award! While there are some things that I would have done differently, I still think the image of giant ticks in bathing suits is a perfect metaphor for this warming world. Throw in a spongy moth and some soon-to-arrive Lone Star ticks, and you’ve got the picture.

Click here to see more pics of the parade entry.

“SOME LIKE IT HOT” AT JULY 4TH PARADE By Victoria Erhart

I can sum up last year’s 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.

For the 2023 MIWP Fourth of July float, we are once again going to take on my old nemesis climate change, although somewhat obliquely, in a float called “Some Like it Hot”. Think of all the nasty beasties that are doing better in a warming climate: deer ticks, bark beetles, spongy moths, deer ticks, mosquitoes, emerald ash borers, deer ticks… Now picture those same guys dressed in bathing suits and truly enjoying their newly tropical environment. Lyme mojito, anyone?

You can see where I am going with this, even if I can’t, so join us and make it work! Insect costumes are in the “pre-design phase” so just wear black and we’ll do the rest. Meet at the marina 30 minutes prior to parade time (the parade usually starts at 10:30 AM, but check with the Chamber of Commerce) under the MIWP banner. Or just look for some really big bugs in tropical attire. Children and dogs absolutely welcome.

For questions, call Victoria Erhart at 715-747-2277 in early July.