The theme of this year’s Independence Day parade was “Everybody’s Hometown”. Floats were submitted by different businesses and groups around Malad, and awards were handed out to a few of them.

The parade was led by Oneida County Sheriff Arne Jones, winding through town from the Malad Elementary School and following a route to go by the Nell J. Redfield Memorial Hospital on Bannock Street so that employees and residents in the Nursing Home could enjoy the fun. Chamber of Commerce President Eric Crowther served as the parade chairman.

Following Sheriff Jones was the Malad American Legion Ernest W. Jones Post #65 with the Legion flag carried by Brain Thomas and the America flag carried by Travis Whipple, followed by members of the American Legion either marching or riding on the float. Walking behind the float were members of the American Legion Baseball team with coaches Garren Atkinson and Gary Coombs. When the Legionnaires arrived at the Veterans Memorial and during the presentation of the National Anthem, sung by Carrie Jensen, they saluted the flag at the monument that honors their fellow veterans whose names are inscribed on plaques at the Memorial, and who served from World War I to current service.

The Honored Veteran for 2021 was Bob Stokes, who followed his fellow Legionnaires riding in the parade. He was followed by Spence and Debbie Horsley, the 2021 Grand Marshalls for the Independence Day parade. Bertha Hess, the Honored Veteran for 2021, rode with her son Brad Hess next in the parade. Malad City Volunteer of the Year Laura Dickerson followed behind. A truck holding Mayor Joan Hawkins, members of the Malad City Council, and Gene Caldwell came next. The truck read “Happy 90th Birthday Gene Caldwell: Veteran, Community Leader, and Teller of Bad Jokes!”

The first place commercial float, the Sweepstakes winner, was awarded to Hess Pumice. Their float featured signs that read, “More American than apple pie? Our Hometown!” and “Malad – You’re the apple of my pie!” The float was decorated with large apples and pies, along with many young members of the Hess family. The Commissioners’ Award went to Moss Trucking, a float which featured many red, white, and blue columns, balloons, and flags. It also contained friends and family members. The Mayor’s Award went to Nimer Commercial, which featured a 1917 Mack AB. The Judge’s Award went to ATC Communications, and featured many old pictures of buildings in Malad.

Noncommercial first place entry was awarded to the float submitted by Oneida County, which included many colorful balloons and the names of all the areas in Malad. The second place noncommercial float was put in by the Oneida Crisis Center. A small ‘train engine’ was driving and pulled a large blow-up dragon on the back with a sign that read, “Love your neighbor, and do something good for them today.” Third place noncommercial went to Brian and Terry Lyons.

Members of the cast of “The Mystery of the Mansion Briarcliff” walked along the parade route, promoting their show with they performed that day. The Malad High School Pep Band, led by Foster Garrett, performed throughout the route. Trucks and floats from Thomas Market and John Rae Excavation followed. Members of the Malad High School wrestling team rode ATVs, and members of the Brothers of Steel wrestling program squirted people with water guns. Tyrell Neal pulled his trailer for Neal’s Mobile Clean Wash and Shine. The Malad High School Dragonettes walked along the parade route and performed some dances while doing so. Oneida Family Dental had a float featuring hay bales and cowboy hats. Senior Center directors and attendees rode ATVs decorated in red, white, and blue. Members of the Malad High School Cheer Team walked and performed cheers, featuring the dragon mascot riding on the back of a truck. Daisy Hollow entered a float, which was decorated all in pink and said “Flamazing.” Malad Distinguished Young Woman for 2022 Krystal Ford rode in the back of a truck. The Nell J. Redfield Memorial Hospital bus was decorated with red and blue stars. Cory Webster, the 2019 Welsh Festival Bard, drove a Jeep. The current missionaries for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints serving in Malad followed. A float submitted by Ediths’s Collectives followed, featuring many flowers and signs that referenced Malad and promoting their Beach Ball coming July 31. The Malad High School Softball Team rode on a firetruck, celebrating their recent State Championship win. Members of the BLM fire department walked behind, throwing frisbees. Teen Miss Idaho 2021 Bryannah Dumas rode in a truck, followed by members of the Malad High School Football team riding ATVs. The Oneida County Fair board submitted a float featuring participants in the recent Rodeo Queen Contest, either sitting on a float or riding horses. The Malad FFA chapter squirted people with hoses and water balloons. Idaho Real Estate Group and Ireland Bank both pulled trailers. People riding ATVs, old tractors, tow trucks, and hoverboards came next. An ambulance followed, featuring a mannequin on a stretcher.

The parade route was a bit longer this year, following the same route used last year during the Covid-19 pandemic. It allowed for more places to see the parade while still making the loop back to Malad Elementary School.