Join the Jacksonport Thanksgiving Day Parade

Entering its 18th year, the annual Jacksonport Thanksgiving Day Parade & Benefit will step off at 10:30 am from the Jacksonport fire station. This fun-loving, eclectic parade, a labor of love put in to motion by local northern Door County residents, will build upon the theme of neighbors helping neighbors this year by supporting a woman in a battle with cancer, Maggie DeMeuse.

After DeMeuse began chemotherapy treatment and had been cleared to return to work, her employer no longer had need for her position leading to the expiration of her short-term disability and her health care coverage. The couple now depends on her husband Larry working three jobs to support them both.

“Words cannot completely express the gratitude I have for my friends and neighbors,” said DeMeuse. “The past several months have been a truly trying time for my family and me. Knowing I have this support from my community is something to be grateful for this season.”

Parade committee chair Mary Witteborg said, “We are thankful for many things on this day, and especially for the opportunity to come together and support Maggie and her family. 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.”

Parade viewers can expect the same blend of eclectic floats and characters mixed with a traditional color guard, a Jacksonport fire truck, some horses and maybe a camel. Participation in the parade is encouraged and a $100 prize will be 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 JJ’s of Jacksonport. JJ’s will be open during and after the parade. Anyone wishing to participate in the parade should be at the Jacksonport Fire Station by 10 am on Nov. 27. The Gibraltar Business Association for Youth (GBay/DECA) high school business students are hosting a 52-card raffle to be held at JJ’s after the parade.