Pioneer Days Grand Marshals – Kalida, Ohio

Pioneer Days Grand Marshals

Honoring Community Leaders & Parade Champions

Respected figures who embody the strength and unity of Kalida, leading our grand parade with pride and tradition

Current Grand Marshals

2024 Grand Marshals Denny Kerner and Norm Schnipke

Denny Kerner & Norm Schnipke

2024 – 152nd Pioneer Days

Denny Kerner and Norm Schnipke were honored as Grand Marshals for the 152nd Pioneer Days celebration, representing the deep community ties and longstanding service that embody the spirit of Kalida’s annual festival.

Both individuals have demonstrated exceptional commitment to the Kalida community through their years of service, leadership, and dedication to preserving the traditions that make Pioneer Days a cherished local event.

Community Recognition

Their selection as Grand Marshals honors their contributions to Kalida and their embodiment of the pioneer spirit that the festival celebrates.

A Tradition of Honor

The Grand Marshal tradition at Pioneer Days honors the festival’s founding purpose to “perpetuate the early history of our county” by recognizing modern “pioneers” who keep Kalida’s spirit alive through their civic contributions and community service.

Bridging Past and Present

Grand Marshals represent Kalida’s gratitude to its pioneers and outstanding citizens, linking the festival’s historic past with its present-day community spirit.

Notable Grand Marshals:

  • 2024: Denny Kerner & Norm Schnipke – 152nd Pioneer Days
  • 2023: Tom Rampe (retired fire chief) & Ron Heitmeyer (retired superintendent)
  • 2018: Jim Unverferth – Local business leader and Lions Club member
  • 2020: Chris Phillips (Firemen’s Association) & Ronnie Kahle Jr. (Lions Club)

“Grand Marshals embody the strength and unity of Kalida, representing the best of our community’s ethos and pioneer spirit.”

Past Grand Marshals

Honoring the distinguished citizens who have led our Pioneer Days parades with pride and distinction

2020s

  • 2024: Denny Kerner
    Norm Schnipke
  • 2023: Tom Rampe
    Ron Heitmeyer
  • 2022: Richard Schulte
    Bill Rieman
  • 2021: Carl Fortman
    Harry Horstman
  • 2020: Chris Phillips
    Ronnie Kahle Jr.

2010s

  • 2019: Roger Hanneman
    Rick Unverferth
  • 2018: Mark Fortman
    Jim Unverferth
  • 2017: Sam Decker
    Tom Recker
  • 2016: Karl Fortman
    Ron Buss
  • 2015: Bob Winkle
    Denny Kehres
  • 2014: Gene Schmersal
    Kenny Unverferth
  • 2013: Carl Maag
    Al Siebeneck
  • 2012: Ronnie Edelbrock
    Joe Langhals
  • 2011: Ed Kerner
    Carl Kahle
  • 2010: Al Knueven
    Larry Ricker

2000s

  • 2009: Donald Gerdeman
    Dan Fanger
  • 2008: Ron Vonder Embse
    Tom Erhart
  • 2007: Bill Felkey
    Leonard Kahle
  • 2006: Norm Kahle
    Ronnie Kahle
  • 2005: Norm Knott
    Ed Holtkamp, Jr.
  • 2004: Tom Fortman
    Harold “Herk” Selhorst
  • 2003: Richard Unverferth
    Norm Von der Embse
  • 2002: John Phillips
    Bill Schnipke
  • 2001: Oscar Kerner
    Virgil Unverferth
  • 2000: Doctor Charles Kidd

Special Recognition

2024: Denny Kerner & Norm Schnipke – 152nd Pioneer Days celebration
2023: Tom Rampe & Ron Heitmeyer – Embodied community strength and unity
2018: Jim Unverferth – Recognized for healthcare, education, and civic leadership

Honoring Community Leaders

The Grand Marshal tradition celebrates those who have given back to Kalida through their service, leadership, and dedication to our community. Each year’s selection becomes part of Pioneer Days history, remembered fondly by attendees and honored for generations to come.

Learn More About Pioneer Days

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