Mike Hammond Auction and Realty took home the Grand Marshal’s Choice at the 55th Annual Little Egypt Festival Parade on Saturday with its entry ‘Strike Up a New Home’. The winner was chosen by Steve Ludwig, the owner of Salem Bowl, who was selected as Grand Marshal of this year’s parade due to his work with youth bowling and winning multiple state titles as the Salem High School bowling coach.
Steve Ludwig rides as Grand Marshal. Photo by Rylan Lawson.
North American Lighting won the Richard Pollard Memorial Trophy with a fun tribute to the classic movie ‘The Sandlot,’ which brings together America’s favorite pastime and the spirit of teamwork.
North American Lighting wins Richard Pollard award. Photo by Rylan Lawson.
Little Egypt Golf Cars took first in large business, and Wabash Communications was second. Balloons by Design was first in small business, and Yellin Helens was second.
Balloons by Design with multiple balloon features takes first in small business. Photo by Rylan Lawson.
The Salem High School Dance Team took first in the school division, and the float featuring the Salem Football and Cheerleaders was second. In the youth organization, Salem Soccer’s entry featuring a large number of players was first, and Salem High School FFA was second.
One of the multiple floats featuring Salem soccer players. Photo by Rylan Lawson.
In the church division, Trinity United Methodist Church was first, and Salem First Baptist was second. In the civic organization, ISAAC Hull DAR was first and Bryan Bennett Library second.
Isaac Hull Chapter of the DAR takes first in civic division. Photo by Rylan Lawson.
In the Baton and Dance Group, Southern Illinois Elite Tumbling was first and Studio 50 second.
In the other category, the SAFE organization was first, and Ed Phillips was second.
In the band division, Altamont won best high school band as well as best drum line and best auxiliary line. Sandoval took first place in Junior/Senior High Band. Iuka took first in junior high band and Centralia Junior High was second.
Altamont band wins best high school band. Photo by Rylan Lawson.
A combined Salem Hi and Franklin Park bands combined efforts to be the host band of the Little Egypt Festival. Photo by Rylan Lawson.
