Police Chief Joseph Mokwa Serves as Honorary Grand Marshal
ST. LOUIS, June 16, 2008 - "Let's Party" will be the theme as this year's Veiled Prophet Parade winds through downtown St. Louis on Friday, July 4. A St. Louis family tradition for 131 years, the parade will step off at 10 a.m.
The nation's most spectacular Independence Day parade will offer giant helium balloons, elaborate custom-built floats, and a spirited competition among marching bands. More than 100 units will stretch over five miles in length.
"The Veiled Prophet parade has provided St. Louis, with excitement for 131 years, and this year's edition will continue to build on that grand tradition," said Nelson H. Howe II, grand marshal of the Veiled Prophet Parade.
The honorary grand marshal of this year's parade is Col. Joseph J. Mokwa, chief of the St. Louis Metropolitan Police Department. This year marks the department's 200th anniversary.
"We take a great deal of pride in honoring our public safety professionals as well as continuing our tradition of magnificent family entertainment. The parade is a fitting tribute to our police department's bicentennial," Howe said.
"The Veiled Prophet Parade is a gift to the citizens of the metropolitan St. Louis community," he said. "There are no commercial sponsors; it is funded and organized by a group of dedicated, civic minded members of the Veiled Prophet Organization."
The VP Parade is the opening event on July 4th for Fair St. Louis. Following July 4th, the riverfront concert series - Live on the Levee - along with the Parade and Fair St. Louis are sponsored by the Veiled Prophet Organization.
Parade Route
The parade begins at Fourth Street and Washington Ave. in downtown St. Louis at 10 a.m. on Friday, July 4.
The grand march will continue south on Fourth Street and west on Market to end at 20th Street. The final units will arrive at Market and 20th streets a little before noon.
Parade Theme
This year's parade theme is "Let's Party," in keeping with the parade's traditions of patriotic celebration and spectacular entertainment for the entire family.
Parade Features
Among more than 100 parade units, major features include:
* 17 floats, custom designed and built for the parade by a staff of professional artists and craftsmen in one of the world's largest operations of its kind, supported by the Veiled Prophet organization.
* 10 high school bands competing for prizes in a spirited competition.
* Five specialty bands.
* Seven giant helium balloons.
* Clowns, unique vehicles and more.
For additional, up-to-the-minute information about the parade, visit the official website: www.VPParade.org. |
