Zearing Days Parade
The parade begins at 10:30am on the west end of Main Street and runs the entire length of Main Street.
Pre-registration for entries is not required. Printable Parade Entry forms are available here. Bring with you the morning of the parade or pick one up when you get there.
There is no entry fee and the order of the lineup is first come first serve, so plan accordingly. Please be respectful to others and do not "budge" in line.
Registration and lineup begin at the "Old Caseys" at the west end of Main Street on the corner of Main Street and Highway 65 (Just South of the Welcome to Zearing sign).
Pre-registration for entries is not required. Printable Parade Entry forms are available here. Bring with you the morning of the parade or pick one up when you get there.
There is no entry fee and the order of the lineup is first come first serve, so plan accordingly. Please be respectful to others and do not "budge" in line.
Registration and lineup begin at the "Old Caseys" at the west end of Main Street on the corner of Main Street and Highway 65 (Just South of the Welcome to Zearing sign).
You MUST first go out to the end of Main Street before lining up!
2011 Parade Grand Marshals:
Wendell & Helen Eley
Wendell and Helen live on a farm southeast of Zearing, where Wendell was born and has lived his entire life. He is a 1948 graduate of Zearing High School He attended Westmar College in LeMars, Iowa and graduated with a degree in history and industrial arts education. Wendell and Helen (a Hubbard High School graduate) met while both were students at Westmar College and discovered that they grew up only 5 miles apart, Helen's family farm was located north of Zearing.
In 1952, Uncle Sam requested Wendell's service in Korea. While there, he was a truck driver assigned to transport the radar communication equipment. Spring of 1954 brought him back to the States to farm and plan a June wedding with Helen.
Wendell joined his father in farming and livestock production. He and Helen purchased the business when his father retired in 1955. They focused on building a farrow to finish hog and crop farm. Several family members have been involved in the business including son Raymond who currently manages the family farm and pork production. Wendell and Helen have received many honors over the years including Master Pork Producer, Story County Master Grower and District/State crop production awards.
Wendell has been a long-time member of the Legion and served on area boards including Heart of Iowa Coop, Story County Farm Bureau, and Bethel United Methodist Church. He is often known for his beautiful voice, singing for many area weddings, choir programs, anniversaries and funerals. He sang in Germany for the weddings of two exchange students.
Helen taught fourth grade at Zearing Elementary School from 1954 to 1956 when their first child was born. Since then, she has remained a familiar face in the school as a sustitute teacher-- still going in whenever there is a need. When she was not at school, she worked the farm and hog production-- partnering in the success of their business. She has served the community as a 4-H leader, NESCO Booster Board Officer, FHA Board, Bethel United Methodist Church Board, Sunday School Education chair, and community volunteer. She is also a Legion Auxiliary member. Helen was named 'cook of the week' in the Ames Tribune and shared her recipe for homemade bread-- a staple at the Eley home-- a treat for those who have been guests in their home.
The Eleys are the parents of five children, Rita Dougan, Joyce Johnston, Raymond Eley, Ruth Buckels and Ronna Kelso. They are grandparents to 23 grandchildren and soon to be 5 great-grandchildren (#5 is due to arrive in August). They enjoy family activities and always have a story to share. Through the years, they hosted four foreign exchange students and remain in contact with them and their families. All four attended the Eley 50th wedding anniversary party, and the Eley farm was referred to as the United Nations of Zearing!
On a sunny summer afternoon or a quiet evening, you will find Wendell and Helen ready to welcom you into their home for a visit. If you go there on Saturday morning, you might be lucky enough to have a slice of warm homemade bread with fresh strawberry jam!
In 1952, Uncle Sam requested Wendell's service in Korea. While there, he was a truck driver assigned to transport the radar communication equipment. Spring of 1954 brought him back to the States to farm and plan a June wedding with Helen.
Wendell joined his father in farming and livestock production. He and Helen purchased the business when his father retired in 1955. They focused on building a farrow to finish hog and crop farm. Several family members have been involved in the business including son Raymond who currently manages the family farm and pork production. Wendell and Helen have received many honors over the years including Master Pork Producer, Story County Master Grower and District/State crop production awards.
Wendell has been a long-time member of the Legion and served on area boards including Heart of Iowa Coop, Story County Farm Bureau, and Bethel United Methodist Church. He is often known for his beautiful voice, singing for many area weddings, choir programs, anniversaries and funerals. He sang in Germany for the weddings of two exchange students.
Helen taught fourth grade at Zearing Elementary School from 1954 to 1956 when their first child was born. Since then, she has remained a familiar face in the school as a sustitute teacher-- still going in whenever there is a need. When she was not at school, she worked the farm and hog production-- partnering in the success of their business. She has served the community as a 4-H leader, NESCO Booster Board Officer, FHA Board, Bethel United Methodist Church Board, Sunday School Education chair, and community volunteer. She is also a Legion Auxiliary member. Helen was named 'cook of the week' in the Ames Tribune and shared her recipe for homemade bread-- a staple at the Eley home-- a treat for those who have been guests in their home.
The Eleys are the parents of five children, Rita Dougan, Joyce Johnston, Raymond Eley, Ruth Buckels and Ronna Kelso. They are grandparents to 23 grandchildren and soon to be 5 great-grandchildren (#5 is due to arrive in August). They enjoy family activities and always have a story to share. Through the years, they hosted four foreign exchange students and remain in contact with them and their families. All four attended the Eley 50th wedding anniversary party, and the Eley farm was referred to as the United Nations of Zearing!
On a sunny summer afternoon or a quiet evening, you will find Wendell and Helen ready to welcom you into their home for a visit. If you go there on Saturday morning, you might be lucky enough to have a slice of warm homemade bread with fresh strawberry jam!
2012 Grand Marshal Nomination Form
Coming Soon.