Mike and Doris Hotchkin to serve as 2022 Grinnell Fourth of July Grand Marshals

     The Grinnell Area Chamber of Commerce announces Mike and Doris Hotchkin will serve as the 2022 Fourth of July Grand Marshals.
      “We received many incredible and worthy nominations this year, and are excited to recognize Mike and Doris for their longstanding commitment to the community," said Rachael Kinnick, president & CEO of the Grinnell Area Chamber of Commerce.
    "Each year we receive wonderful nominations to serve as the Fourth of July Grand Marshal, and this year was no exception," added Kinnick. "We are glad to recognize Mike and Doris for their commitment to community service, good natured demeanor and genuine desire to better the Grinnell community."
      Known for their charitable work and contributions to many organizations throughout the community, including though certainly not limited to St. Mary’s Catholic Church, Second Mile, Boy Scouts, Grinnell Area Housing Authority and the Grinnell Lions Club, the Hotchkins’ are dedicated volunteers. Whether it be volunteering in an organized capacity with the aforementioned organizations, or simply helping out neighbors, friends or strangers by sharing a meal or needed transportation, they are continually giving back to the community.
     As lifelong residents of the community, Mike and Doris serve as unofficial good-will ambassadors for Grinnell, according to one nominee. As another wrote, the Hotchkins’ beaming smiles and friendly waves will be familiar to all along the Fourth of July parade route.
    "We are honored to serve as Grand Marshals of this year’s parade," noted Mike. "Our family is planning to enter the 10th Avenue neighborhood parade with four generations of Hotchkins in the morning, and we would be thrilled to share this experience with them in the evening as well."
    The Fourth of July parade will be held Monday, July 4 beginning at 5 p.m. Those wishing to participate may still register by completing the entry form on the Chamber’s website. The Chamber is also in search of volunteers to help organize line-up for the parade; if interested, please contact the Chamber office at 641-236-6555.
      The parade will line up on High Street (those participating should enter from the north) where entries will be staged to line up on Hamilton Avenue facing west. The parade will begin at the intersection of Hamilton Avenue and Broad Street and turn north on Broad Street to 10th Avenue. From there the parade heads east to Penrose Street, finally turning south on Penrose. It will disperse at the Bayer parking lot at 7th Avenue and Penrose Street.
     A fireworks display will take place at dusk on Monday, July 4 at approximately 9:45 p.m. at Ahrens Park.