Harvest of Harmony Committee announces theme and Grand Marshal for the 84th parade
(Grand Island, NE) – The Harvest of Harmony Parade, sponsored by Woodhouse Toyota, is
celebrating its 84th year on October 3, 2026, filling downtown Grand Island with marching
bands and parade floats.
The Harvest of Harmony Committee is proud to announce this year’s parade theme: “America’s
250th Birthday.”
Leading the parade as Grand Marshal will be Steve Oseka, Fire Chief of the Cairo Volunteer Fire
Department. Oseka was selected in recognition of his leadership and efforts during the
devastating wildfires that impacted communities across Nebraska.
Oseka and fellow volunteer firefighters worked tirelessly to protect their communities during
some of the state’s most challenging wildfire conditions. His courage and commitment to
protecting others make him a fitting Grand Marshal for this year’s celebration.
The committee Thanks all volunteer firefighters and EMS personnel across Nebraska who
continue to serve their communities.
In accepting the honor, Oseka expressed his gratitude and said he was accepting the recognition
on behalf of Nebraska’s volunteer firefighters and EMS personnel.
“Being selected as Grand Marshal is a tremendous honor,” said Oseka. “I am happy to accept
this on behalf of all of our great state’s brave and faithful volunteer firefighters and EMS.”
“Steve Oseka’s dedication to protecting and serving others is a powerful example of the values
we celebrate this year,” said Mary Berlie, president of the Grand Island Area Economic
Development Corporation and Chamber of Commerce. “As we celebrate America’s 250th
Birthday, we are reminded of the people who have stepped forward throughout our nation’s
history to protect their neighbors and strengthen their communities. Steve’s leadership during the
devastating wildfires across Nebraska, along with his service as Fire Chief of the Cairo Volunteer
Fire Department, represents that same commitment to community. Honoring Steve as Grand
Marshal allows us to recognize his service while also shining a light on the many volunteer
firefighters and EMS personnel who continue to answer the call.”
The 84th Harvest of Harmony will take place on Saturday, October 3, 2026. The parade is set to
step off at 8:15 a.m., starting on 4 th and Elm Street, continuing through the Eddy Street
underpass, and then proceeding along the route (approximately .6 miles) down 3rd Street.
Area communities, businesses, clubs, service organizations, and individuals are invited to
participate in the parade by entering a float. A variety of float types are welcome in the Harvest
of Harmony Parade: walking units, single vehicles, and towed decorated floats. It is encouraged
to decorate the floats.
Applications for floats and bands are now open and close September 4th. Those interested may
email [email protected] or register at Harvest of Harmony - Grand Island Area Chamber
of Commerce- NE and follow https://www.facebook.com/harvestofharmony/ .
The Alumni Band is also recruiting more participants to march in the parade. The band is open to
anyone interested, and practices three weekends before the day of the parade. Please contact
Alumni Band Director Scott Miller at [email protected] to participate.
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About Harvest of Harmony
This Nebraska tradition dates back to 1938, when the first parade stepped off with 13 floats and
eight bands. The parade grew over the years, claiming the title of “highest number of bands
marching in a parade” in the 1996 Guinness Book of World Records with 130 bands. Aside from
a hiatus from 1942 to 1945 due to World War II and the COVID-19 pandemic of 2020, the
parade has marched on for over 80 years.