KENOSHA, Wis. — A record number of entries will participate in the 2026 Kenosha Civic Veterans Parade presented by Snap-on, which will step off at 1 p.m. on Sunday, June 28, as the city celebrates the nation’s 250th anniversary with the theme, “United States Celebrates 250 Years.”
The City of Kenosha announced Friday that the annual parade will again be led by Snap-on as title sponsor, with additional support from Kenosha County and division sponsors Jockey International, First American Bank, Tyler and Deleen Nehls, Zeigler Hyundai and Festival Foods.
Organizers said this year’s parade will feature a record number of entries, including marching bands, veterans organizations, elected officials, military tributes, community groups, floats and specialty performers. The parade lineup spans five divisions and a lengthy pre-parade procession that begins with veterans groups, law enforcement agencies, fire departments, motorcycle organizations and historic vehicles.
Among those being honored are Sir Robert Ibsen, the City of Kenosha’s 2025 Hometown Hero of the Year, and Bill Hopkins, who has been named the 2026 Kenosha County Veteran of the Year.
Ibsen served in the U.S. Navy from 1946 to 1967, retiring as a Chief Personnelman. His military decorations include the Good Conduct Medal with five stars, the World War II Victory Medal, the National Defense Service Medal and the Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal for service in Vietnam. He later served on the National Board of the Danish Brotherhood in America and was knighted by the Queen of Denmark.
Hopkins served 20 years in the U.S. Navy, retiring in 1993 as a Command Master Chief. Following his military service, he worked for more than two decades in the private sector and remained active in western Kenosha County through local government, education and volunteer service, including 12 years with the Silver Lake Fire Department.
A new attraction this year comes from the Agerholm-Gross Detachment No. 346 Marine Corps League, which will present three separate float entries. The displays will include a living memorial depicting the flag raising atop Mount Suribachi on Iwo Jima, a military honor guard float featuring a flag-draped casket honoring fallen service members, and a Vietnam Women’s Living Memorial recognizing women who served in the armed forces.
The parade lineup includes Mayor David Bogdala, County Executive Samantha Kerkman, U.S. Reps. Bryan Steil and Tom Tiffany, state Sen. Bob Wirch, state Reps. Ben DeSmidt, Tip McGuire and Amanda Nedweski, along with sheriff candidates James Beller, Tony Gonzalez and Gary Roberts.
Other participants include the Kenosha Police Department, Kenosha Fire Department, Kenosha County Sheriff David Zoerner and the Sheriff’s Office Honor Guard, numerous scouting organizations, veterans groups, dance academies, schools, civic organizations and businesses from across the area.
Musical entertainment will feature the Rambler Band, Band of the Blackwatch, Kenosha Pops Concert Band, River City Rhythm, Mad Plaid Brass and several other groups. The Jesse White Tumblers are also scheduled to return.
Nineteen floats will compete for awards including Best in Show, Most Patriotic, Hometown Pride, Superior Craftsmanship and Best Use of Theme. Float judging will take place before the parade, with winners announced during the event near Veterans Memorial Park.
The parade route will begin on Seventh Avenue at Washington Road, proceed south through downtown along Sixth Avenue and conclude on the west side of Library Park. Organizers will close the route to traffic at noon and recommend Seventh and Sixth avenues as the best viewing locations.
The event will also include a community bike parade. Participants must be able to ride approximately two miles without stopping and are asked to gather near Seventh Avenue and Washington Road between noon and 12:30 p.m. before the 1 p.m. start.
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