The Harvest of Harmony Parade, sponsored by Levander’s Automotive, is celebrating its 83rd year on October 4, 2025, (Courtesy)
GRAND ISLAND — The Harvest of Harmony Parade, sponsored by Levander’s Automotive, is celebrating its 83rd year on October 4, 2025, filling downtown Grand Island with the sights and sounds of Nebraska marching bands and parade floats.
The Harvest of Harmony Committee is proud to announce this year’s parade theme: “Sounds of the Island.” This year’s theme invites everyone to celebrate the sounds of our community and beyond, from local talent and hometown traditions to the wide variety of musical styles that inspire us. Whether it’s classical, jazz, country, rock, pop or a fusion of genres, “Sounds of the Island” honors the universal language of music and its power to bring people together.
Leading the parade as Grand Marshals will be Craig and Rita Hand, lifelong Grand Island residents and passionate advocates for the city’s historic downtown. Together, the Hands own and operate the beloved downtown business, Howard’s Jewelry, which was founded by Craig’s parents in 1947.
Craig has deep musical roots, having played first-chair clarinet in the orchestra and lead saxophone in the jazz band during his time at Northwest High School. Beyond music and business, the Hands have been instrumental in the revival of The Grand Theater, one of Grand Island’s most cherished landmarks. Craig currently serves as president of the Grand Foundation, leading efforts to restore and preserve the theater as a vibrant cultural hub.
“Craig and Rita Hand truly embody the spirit of Harvest of Harmony,” said Mary Berlie, president of the Grand Island Area Economic Development Corporation and Chamber of Commerce. “Their lifelong dedication to Grand Island through small business, the arts and downtown revitalization reflects the very values this parade was built on. Honoring them as Grand Marshals is a meaningful way to recognize the legacy they continue to build in our community.”
The 83rd Harvest of Harmony will take place on Saturday, October 4, 2025. The parade is set to step off at 8:15 a.m., starting on 4th and Elm Street, continuing through the Eddy Street underpass, and then proceeding along the route (approximately .6 miles) down 3rd Street.
Area communities, businesses, clubs, service organizations, and individuals are invited to participate in the parade by entering a float. A variety of float types are welcome in the Harvest of Harmony Parade: walking units, single vehicles, and towed decorated floats. It is encouraged to decorate the floats.
Applications for floats and bands are now open and close September 5. Those interested are encouraged to email dorologio@gichamber.com. For updates, please stay tuned to the Harvest of Harmony Facebook page.
The Alumni Band is also recruiting more participants to march in the parade. The band is open to anyone interested, and practices three weekends before the day of the parade. Please contact Alumni Band Director Scott Miller at sjmiller87@charter.net to participate.
About Harvest of Harmony
This Nebraska tradition dates back to 1938, when the first parade stepped off with 13 floats and eight bands. The parade grew over the years, claiming the title of “highest number of bands marching in a parade” in the 1996 Guinness Book of World Records with 130 bands. Aside from a hiatus from 1942 to 1945 due to World War II and the COVID-19 pandemic of 2020, the parade has marched on for over 80 years.
Rita Hand and Craig Hand, (Courtesy)
