Loyalty Day parade tradition is 54 years strong

Although 76 trombones may not be marching through Brandon’s Loyalty Day parade route, South Dakota’s largest Loyalty Day Parade marks the 54th year of what has become a springtime tradition here.

Largely organized by Brandon’s Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 4726 and participating community residents and organizations, the parade steps off at 1 p.m. Sunday. This year’s theme is “Salute to America.”

Behind the Legion Post 131 and POW/MIA riderless horse (provided by Deb Risty) color guards, a familiar face will lead the parade units. Dr. Grett Talcott, who will retire June 4 from 19 years as the principal of Brandon Valley High School, has been selected as this year’s parade marshal. Prior to stepping up to principal, Talcott was the associate high school principal here for three years.

A flyover is scheduled from the Tea-based Vanguard Squadron. The flyover is exclusively sponsored by Amanda Christopherson and her Brandon business, Beautique.

Many state, local and national dignitaries will be featured in the parade, that will be emceed by as KSOO radio personality Beth Warden and Stacey Bauer Jones. They will be stationed in front of the Brandon VFW.

Circuit was selected as the Loyalty Day Parade’s Business of the Year. Starting locally with a martial arts program in 2005, Circuit has since evolved into a training center focused on promoting wellness and self-esteem. With martial arts, fitness, and yoga programs for all ages, Circuit seeks to encourage healthy communities by building up healthy individuals. 

Community endeavors have included the Family Fun Fest, which follows Sunday’s parade and VFW prize drawings, and The Gauntlet, an annual fitness challenge mixed with mud. Circuit shares proceeds from The Gauntlet with a select a charity.

This year’s Buddy Poppy Prince is Max Meyer and the Princess is Kenryn Entzel. The Poppy royalty will be at Sunshine Foods in Brandon from 9-11 a.m. Saturday, where they will be selling Buddy Poppies, which support local Veterans programs.

Following Sunday’s parade, families are invited to the VFW to purchase $1 chances to win more than 900 children’s prizes and possibly one of 20 new bikes that members, local residents, Brandon business Flexit USA Hydraulics and Mark Brodie have donated to give to the kids.

The parade lineup will be at the Brandon Valley High School at 11 a.m. with the parade stepping off at 1 p.m. Brandon’s Loyalty Day Parade typically features between 300 and 600 units and has lasted more than three hours on some occasions.

Before and during the parade, the VFW Auxiliary will sell hot dogs and barbecues from the stand in the VFW parking lot.

 

Family Fun Fest returns for third year

Circuit Martial Arts and Fitness is hosting its 3rd Annual Family Fun Fest benefiting the Brandon Area Food Pantry from 2:30-5:30 p.m. Sunday, May 5, following the Loyalty Day Parade and VFW prize drawings.

The event will be held on the grounds of Brandon Valley Middle School this year due to flooding at McHardy Park. The cost is $5 or free admission with a food donation for the BAFP.

The event will feature a variety of old-fashioned family fun, including wheel barrow races, three-legged races, balloon artist Mr. Twister, archery with the Girl Scouts, Flamingo Fling, sack races, a Brandon Hockey Association challenge, plunger challenge and more.

The Lion’s Club KidSight van will be on hand for free children’s vision checks. The Tasty Trolley will also be available.

Kids will have the opportunity to check out the Sanford helicopter and have their photo taken with some of their favorite super heroes and Star Wars characters.