The following press release was issued by the Parade of Nations:

HOUGHTON, MI, August 12, 2019–They’re back!  The renowned Cass Tech Marching Band from Detroit will march in the Parade of Nations on September 21.

It’s the 30^th anniversary of the Parade of Nations, a parade and multicultural festival celebrating the cultural diversity of the Keweenaw. 

The Cass Technical High School Marching Band was established in 1990. The Cass Tech Marching Band is not only known throughout Michigan but throughout the U.S., for providing entertaining shows and jaw dropping action.

Essay Contest Winners

The winner and runner-up in the Parade of Nations essay contest have been chosen. The winner of the $1,000 scholarship is Tajah-Rayne Davise, and the runner-up is Brendan LeClaire.  He will receive a $200 book scholarship.

Davise just graduated from Calumet High School.  LeClaire just graduated from Dollar Bay High School.  Both will be attending Michigan Tech this fall.

The essay contest, new this year, asked graduating seniors at local high schools who will be attending Michigan Tech to write a 250-300 word essay addressing these questions: What does multiculturalism mean to you, and why does it matter to you, your community, our country and the world.

“When I talk about multiculturalism, I don’t mean getting people of different skin colors or genders to coexist; I mean getting people with different stories and backgrounds to coexist,” Davise wrote. “We coexist with people so, from them, we can learn how to be the best version of ourselves.”

LeClaire wrote: ”What does multiculturalism mean to me? It means freedom. Freedom to choose; to live and thrive alongside one another while keeping our own cultural beliefs, looking at our different cultures as an asset rather than a weakness.”

 From Hancock to the Dee

The Parade of Nations starts in Hancock, crosses the Portage Lift Bridge and winds up at Dee Stadium, where the Multicultural Festival features international foods and entertainment.

The parade features international residents and visitors from more than 50 countries wearing their traditional dress, carrying flags and marching or riding floats. Highlights of the parade include Blizzard T. Husky, Michigan Tech’s warm and fuzzy mascot, and Riku F. Lion, Finlandia University’s “mane” man. Other Parade of Nations stars include the high-energy, crowd-pleasing Huskies Pep Band. The First Nation leads the procession, in respect and celebration for the Native Americans who were first to call this place home.

The Multicultural Festival features tantalizing foods from around the world, prepared by international students and local restaurants, and local entertainers including the Finnish Kivajat Dancers and a dazzling Indian Bollywood extravaganza, 

Grants are available to groups wishing to enter a float in the parade or to sponsor a food booth or other activity at the Multicultural Festival. Apply at https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSeotS5-_EygeUyk9edC5jdeRebZRk8TBm_g17oOO_o0J4VhJw/viewform  and https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSexi61xPbnRS7JxfVjr0pH0E-ypltFJIREBqAvQSZf98rnSrQ/viewform