First, on behalf of our Mayor, Kristan Marter and members of Township Council, we thank you for joining us to celebrate together during our annual Patriotic Celebration! This year our nation has held a variety of celebrations, and educational events in cities and towns across the country remembering and commemorating how our country came to be. With all of the resources available with streaming, and promotions, we hope that you have been able to catch some of the events shows, series and documentaries. This weekend, we get to be a part of the celebration of the 250th Anniversary of the United States of America TOGETHER!
Each year, we designate a Grand Marshal as part of our parade. This year as we rolled into the 250th we loosely noted “Uncle Sam” as the face of our celebration. However, as we observe some of the history of Florence Township, we felt that recognizing the general sense of family, belonging and community remains an important part of our history. There are last names that have been a presence since our townships incorporation in 1872. In celebrating 250 years, we took it a step further and aligned some names that have been linked to celebrations to not only commemorate this 250th celebration, but also recognizes and remembers when Florence Township’s celebration was first dubbed, “Freedom Fun Day”.
From 1980 to 1988, Mayor Sharon Worrell served Florence Township and instilled the sense of community during and long after her years leading our township. Mayor Worrell’s family continued the tradition being a part of the township school district events, community events and most recognized each year during our parade with horses, tractors and standing over 7 feet tall as our Stilt Walker, appropriately dressed as “Uncle Sam”. Sharon Worrell’s family branches to include the Ingham’s, Worrell’s, Difilippo’s and of course Worrell’s. Thus, during tomorrow’s parade Mayor Worrell’s family will serve as our OFFICIAL Grand Marshal’s as their group travels the parade route in celebration remembering the past and honoring the present!
Linked below, please find the 2026 Florence Township Patriotic Celebration Parade Flyer, Directions to Florence Township for parade participants, lineup instructions and a flyer from our police department addressing evening activities.
2026 Florence Township Patriotic Celebration Parade Flyer
Directions to Florence Township for Parade Participants
Lineup instructions and Parade Route
Schedules and Safety Guidelines
As a reminder to ALL parade participants and spectators
All float riders, please remain seated while the vehicle is in motion
Toss candy AWAY from your vehicle and floats towards the edges of the roadway
Spectators, please be mindful of your children and do not allow them to run onto the street or in front of the parade vehicles/groups
Dress appropriately for July weather (It is sunny, hot, humid, etc)
Floats should consider water bottles, shaded components, and all participants should wear comfortable shoes (Not sandals, or slides, etc..)
At the end of the parade, please follow police, fire or fire-police instruction for parking, float breakdown and exit of the area.
Special Thanks to American Legion Post 194 in providing the post-parade refreshments. Thank you to American Legion Post 39’s Ron Zalegowski for coordinating our Flag Raising Ceremony and to Johnson Ford for your vehicle Sponsorship!
We wish everyone a wonderful day and evening tomorrow and a HAPPY 250TH ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATION!
First, on behalf of our Mayor, Kristan Marter and members of Township Council, we thank you for joining us to celebrate together during our annual Patriotic Celebration! This year our nation has held a variety of celebrations, and educational events in cities and towns across the country remembering and commemorating how our country came to be. With all of the resources available with streaming, and promotions, we hope that you have been able to catch some of the events shows, series and documentaries. This weekend, we get to be a part of the celebration of the 250th Anniversary of the United States of America TOGETHER!
Each year, we designate a Grand Marshal as part of our parade. This year as we rolled into the 250th we loosely noted “Uncle Sam” as the face of our celebration. However, as we observe some of the history of Florence Township, we felt that recognizing the general sense of family, belonging and community remains an important part of our history. There are last names that have been a presence since our townships incorporation in 1872. In celebrating 250 years, we took it a step further and aligned some names that have been linked to celebrations to not only commemorate this 250th celebration, but also recognizes and remembers when Florence Township’s celebration was first dubbed, “Freedom Fun Day”.
From 1980 to 1988, Mayor Sharon Worrell served Florence Township and instilled the sense of community during and long after her years leading our township. Mayor Worrell’s family continued the tradition being a part of the township school district events, community events and most recognized each year during our parade with horses, tractors and standing over 7 feet tall as our Stilt Walker, appropriately dressed as “Uncle Sam”. Sharon Worrell’s family branches to include the Ingham’s, Worrell’s, Difilippo’s and of course Worrell’s. Thus, during tomorrow’s parade Mayor Worrell’s family will serve as our OFFICIAL Grand Marshal’s as their group travels the parade route in celebration remembering the past and honoring the present!
Linked below, please find the 2026 Florence Township Patriotic Celebration Parade Flyer, Directions to Florence Township for parade participants, lineup instructions and a flyer from our police department addressing evening activities.
2026 Florence Township Patriotic Celebration Parade Flyer
Directions to Florence Township for Parade Participants
Lineup instructions and Parade Route
Schedules and Safety Guidelines
As a reminder to ALL parade participants and spectators
All float riders, please remain seated while the vehicle is in motion
Toss candy AWAY from your vehicle and floats towards the edges of the roadway
Spectators, please be mindful of your children and do not allow them to run onto the street or in front of the parade vehicles/groups
Dress appropriately for July weather (It is sunny, hot, humid, etc)
Floats should consider water bottles, shaded components, and all participants should wear comfortable shoes (Not sandals, or slides, etc..)
At the end of the parade, please follow police, fire or fire-police instruction for parking, float breakdown and exit of the area.
Special Thanks to American Legion Post 194 in providing the post-parade refreshments. Thank you to American Legion Post 39’s Ron Zalegowski for coordinating our Flag Raising Ceremony and to Johnson Ford for your vehicle Sponsorship!
We wish everyone a wonderful day and evening tomorrow and a HAPPY 250TH ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATION!