Karen Veerhusen-Langerud and Connie Molison to Serve as Grinnell on the Fourth Grand Marshals

GRINNELL, IA — The Grinnell Area Chamber of Commerce has selected Karen Veerhusen-Langerud and Connie Molison as the 2026 Grinnell on the Fourth Parade grand marshals. Grinnell on the Fourth Parade will be held on Saturday, July 4, 2026 and is sponsored by Mahaska Communication Group, Clarity Eyecare, Grinnell Mutual, and Oakland Acres Golf Club. The parade is produced by the Grinnell Chamber. Businesses and organizations interested in participating in parade festivities should register online at grinnellchamber.org by calling Chamber staff at 641-236-6555.

“We had many incredible nominations this year,” remarks Rachael Kinnick, president and CEO of the Grinnell Area Chamber of Commerce, “making it very hard to choose an honoree. But it was the culmination of more than 70 years of work in educating many of this community’s youth that led us to recognize Karen and Connie for their tenure and dedication to education in Grinnell.” 

The Chamber is excited to celebrate Karen and Connie, who both recently retired from Grinnell College Preschool. Together, their time at Grinnell College Preschool spanned more than 70 years, leaving a lasting legacy and incredible community connection. 

One nomination shared, “They made a positive and lasting impact on every child and family who stepped foot in the program over those years.” Their support and encouragement to Grinnell-area youth and families have helped to shape decades of young learners. “They are truly exceptional people.”

The community is invited to recognize and celebrate Karen and Connie as this year’s grand marshals along the parade route. The parade will begin at 5 p.m. at the intersection of Broad St and Hamilton St, heading north on Broad Street, then east on 10th Ave and south on Penrose St.

Beginning at 7 p.m., a special dedication ceremony will take place to commemorate the new Grinnell Veterans Memorial Monument in Central Park. Immediately following, Iowa Brass Band will perform the National Anthem and a concert taking center stage.

Ahrens/Paschall Memorial Park will be open for recreation all day, with additional evening festivities beginning at 7:30 p.m. until the fireworks display and will host food trucks following the parade. At approximately 9:45 p.m., Ahrens Park will also host a fireworks display. Fireworks are managed by the City of Grinnell and paid for by the City’s Hotel/Motel Tax Committee.