Emden Homecoming Parade draws townspeople together

[July 21, 2016]   EMDEN - Emden residents lined the town's streets Saturday afternoon to watch the annual Emden Homecoming Parade. For many families in Emden, the parade is a tradition.

Angela Westen said this year's parade had 45 entries including the Ladies' Auxiliary, the Logan County 2015 Fair Queen and Princess, the Lincolnland Antique Tractor's Club, the Hartem cheerleaders, several tractors. A group of horse riders rounded up the entries.

Katrina Hellman is new to town and said she loved parades. Hellman said they are fun and a great community event.

Joshua Hellman decorated his bike to ride in the parade. He said it is the third parade he has been in and enjoys riding.

Logan County Fair Queen Lizzie Ford and Little Miss Princess Preslee Sherren rode in the parade. Ford said they have participated in about six or seven parades this past year. 

Frank R. Pieper was attending his first homecoming parade. This year's Grand Marshall was his father, Pastor Frank Pieper, who pastored at St. Peter's Lutheran Church years ago.

Emden resident Nora Phillips said she liked the little girl dressed as the Statue of Liberty and the children dressed as farmers.

Christina Klokkenga, whose husband Chris grew up in Emden, was attending her first Emden homecoming parade. Klokkenga said the parade was impressive for a small town.

For the many kids attending, catching candy seemed to be a big part of the fun.

The homecoming parade is an integral part of the weekend's events enjoyed by many families.

[Angela Reiners]