An afternoon of beautiful weather brought the crowds out for the 2022 Little Egypt Festival Parade in Salem. Parade-goers were treated to pleasant temperatures, as well as the chance to hear marching bands and see several floats.
There were 77 entries in this year’s parade, and it was the Daughters of the American Revolution “Rosie the Riveter” float that was awarded the Grand Marshal’s trophy from grand marshal Frank Brinkerhoff.
Mayor Nic Farley awarded the Mayor’s Choice trophy to the float from Marion County Savings Bank.
Jeannie Firnhaber says the employees enjoy coming together and working on the float every year.
“This year we decided we wanted to pay some tribute to the American farmer. We decided that without farmers, life can’t happen as we know it. We really appreciate that, and are super proud to be a part of it,” Firnhaber says.
Marion County Savings Floatwins the Mayor’s choice and 1st in Large Business trophies.
In addition to being the Mayor’s Choice, Marion County Savings Bank also won first place in the large business category. People’s National Bank took second place. In the small business division, Sutherland/Rankin Funeral Home took first, followed by Salem Tire Center. It was Meacham Baptist Church taking top prize in the “Churches” division, with Redemption Church of Salem/Odin taking second. In the “Schools” category, the Odin FFA was awarded first followed by the Salem Community High School cheerleaders and football team.
For civic organizations, Ethaniel’s Fight Forever was awarded first place by the judges, with Marion County Horizon Center taking second. Sue Young explained their float was based on a bit of local history.
“We went with a Halfway Tavern theme where Indians stole the gold and buried it over by the Halfway Tavern. So that’s our theme, we went with gold and yellow.”
In the Baton/Dance division, Studio 50 came out on top, with second place going to the Franklin Park Bobcats. Salem Soccer led the “Youth Organizations” division, followed by Salem Little League in second. In the category labeled “Other,” Dakota Austin’s “Green Bean” truck won first place with Nicholas Benjamin’s “Ghostbusters” car taking second. For side-by-sides and four-wheelers, Dunahee Realty was awarded first place followed by Kaskaskia College.
No parade is complete without marching bands, and the Little Egypt Festival was no exception. Altamont High School won best in the high school division, as well as best drum line and best auxiliary. For Junior High schools, Iuka took first place, followed by Centralia Junior High School in second place.
The theme for the 51st annual Little Egypt Festival was “Our Heritage is Our History.” The 2022 parade now joins that history as a great success.
Looking down North Broadway at West Main at the start of the 51st Annual Little Egypt Festival Parade.
