Jacksonport Thanksgiving Day Parade to Benefit Community Member with ALS

The annual Jacksonport Thanksgiving Day Parade & Benefit will step off at 10:30 am from the downtown Jacksonport fire station. Now in its 21st year, this fun-loving, eclectic parade – a labor of love put into motion by Door County residents – continues its mission of neighbors helping neighbors once again in 2017 by supporting a community member with Lou Gehrig’s disease, also known as ALS. ALS is a progressive degenerative nerve disease that affects the nerve cells in the brain and spinal cord.

“When we learned a member of our tight-knit community was suffering from a debilitating illness like ALS we knew we had to help,” said Mary Witteborg, parade committee chair. “What started as a way to celebrate Thanksgiving has become an important annual event bringing families out to give back and share in the spirit of neighbors helping neighbors.”

The parade also raises funds for Feed/Clothe My People. Colorfully dressed goats, horses and dogs dot the parade landscape with humans in tow soliciting contributions to the causes, with 100 percent of all money collected going directly to the year’s beneficiaries.

Participation in the parade is highly encouraged and a $100 prize is awarded for the best entry. The parade starts at the Jacksonport Fire Station, takes a right on Highway 57 to Mike’s Port Pub where it turns around and heads back to Island Fever Rum Bar. Island Fever will be open during and after the parade.

Anyone wishing to participate in the parade should be at the Jacksonport Fire Station by 9:45 am on Nov. 23. Raffle tickets for a $500 and $300 Door County weekend package are available now through the parade for $5 each or 5 for $20. You need not be present to win. For more information, find “Jacksonport Thanksgiving Day Parade” on Facebook.