Monmouth-Independence Rotary Club

04/11/2026

Thank you to K Insurance Group for their support this year.

The Monmouth Independence Rotary Club is excited to announce our Grand Marshals for this year's very special parade. To celebrate 250 years, we can think of no better groups to honor than those who have been the bookend historians to our two communities. It was clear that our Grand Marshals should be the Heritage Museum, Independence and the Hamersly Library, Western Oregon University. These keepers of our stories and connectors to our shared values are worthy of this distinction. Please join us in congratulating these two entities, their staff, and volunteers who, through the years, have found ways to continue sharing our story as that story continues to be written.

04/08/2026

The Monmouth Independence Rotary Club is excited to announce our Grand Marshals for this year's very special parade. To celebrate 250 years, we can think of no better groups to honor than those who have been the bookend historians to our two communities. It was clear that our Grand Marshals should be the Heritage Museum, Independence and the Hamersly Library, Western Oregon University. These keepers of our stories and connectors to our shared values are worthy of this distinction. Please join us in congratulating these two entities, their staff, and volunteers who, through the years, have found ways to continue sharing our story as that story continues to be written.

04/02/2026

Just one of the wonderful ways we are working together as two communities this year. Join us in sharing Our Community Story.

The Heritage Museum is partnering with Friends of Community Parks and Monmouth-Independence Rotary Club to bring a community-wide quilt project to life—Our Community Story: Stitched Together.

We’re inviting you to create a quilt square that reflects your story, your connection to this place, or what makes our community special. No sewing experience needed, just your creativity.

Starting April 2, pick up a kit, including a pre-cut quilt square and information sheet, at the Heritage Museum, Independence Public Library, Monmouth Public Library, or Ash Creek Art Center. Return your completed square by May 30 to be part of a larger community display.

**Feel free to use the square provided as a template for size and use your own fabric.**

04/01/2026

📣Registration for the Grand parade is OPEN! Do not miss a chance to participate in this great tradition. The parade begins at 12:00 pm on July 4 at Western Oregon University in City of Monmouth, Oregon - Government and ends in the City of Independence, Oregon.

🐣Early bird prices begin today and go through May 31. Sign up now to lock in this low entry fee. Prices will go up on June 1 and again on the day of the parade.

🚜There is going to be a theme this year so stay tuned to find out more. We are also partnering with Friends of Community Parks and the Heritage Museum, Independence to create some fun ways to connect our two communities during this special celebration. We want to see lots of floats this year so get ready to get creative, MI Town!

🥇We will soon be announcing our Parade Grand Marshals so follow along so you do not miss that announcement.

🎆Sign up here https://runsignup.com/TicketEvent/MIRotaryGrandParade2026 to hold your spot for this historic event.

03/20/2026

Calling all sponsors! The MI Rotary Club is opening up opportunities for this year's parade. We already have some great folks who have joined us - our returning Premiere Sponsor, Oregon State Credit Union; new sponsor this year, K Insurance Group; Ash Creek Animal Clinic; and the City of Monmouth, Oregon - Government. If you are interested in participating, follow the link below:
runsignup.com/TicketEvent/MIRotaryGrandParade2026

Stay tuned over the next couple of weeks for information about our Grand Marshal as well as general parade registration. Let's get creative with those floats, MI-Town!

02/24/2026

🌏Are you a high school student looking for an adventure?

🌏Have you ever wanted to spend a year of high school studying in another language?

If so, you may be the perfect person for a Rotary Youth Exchange! Reach out to learn more about how Rotary can help you live your dreams. Contact [email protected] to find out more.

10/26/2025

07/30/2025

🫐🍓FINAL SALE OF 2025🍓🫐
Last call for berries! We have a final sale on marionberry, blueberry, raspberry, and strawberry. We will be at the Oregon State Credit Union branch in Monmouth on Highway 99 on Thursday July 31 from 3pm - 6pm.

07/23/2025

🫐🍓BERRY FLASH SALE🫐🍓

The Rotary is having a berry flash sale this Thursday from 3pm - 6pm at Independence Grocery Outlet. We have limited numbers of marionberries, blueberries, and strawberries. Come see us before they all sell out!

07/21/2025

Did you catch our award update in the Polk County Itemizer-Observer? ICYMI, here are this year's Rotary Grand Parade Float award winners! With 135 entries, the community talent and spirit was on full display. Here are this year’s winners of the 10 judging categories. Winners will be presented with award certificates.

M-I Rotary is looking forward to next year’s parade as we celebrate America’s 250th Independence Day! For questions about the parade or to suggest a fun theme for next year, please contact us at mirotaryclub.org.

1. Best Youth Entry:
First Place: YMCA Stars & Stripes & Spirit
Second Place: Panther Kids Wrestling
Third Place: Central High School Senior 2026 Fundraiser

2. Best Youth Equestrian Entry:
First Place: The Equestrians

3. Best Equestrian Entry:
First Place: Benton County Fair & Rodeo Queen

4. Best Family Group Entry:
First Place: Sawyer Family
Second Place: Cecil Jackson for President
Third Place: Central Marshal Arts

5. Best Farm Equipment Entry:
First Place: Quiring Farms - Orange Tractor

6. Best Modern Vehicle Entry (49 years and newer):
First Place - Buddy Gilmore - 2016 Harley
Second Place - Brad Holbrook/Sweet Wheels Ice Cream - 1979 Jeep
Third Place - John Bracken- Crush Bus

7. Best Antique Vehicle Entry (50 years and older):
First Place - Tom Sims - Nova SS.
Second Place - Kasie Sperling - 1958 Cadillac
Third Place - Conner Marshall - Blue Camaro

8. Best Highway Truck Entry:
First Place - Corey Friedow/Friedow Trucking - Blue and White Kenworth
Second Place - Kelsey Partridge/VFW - Transport Vehicle
Third Place - Bell Gutter Service

9. Most Effort in Participation Entry:
First Place: Christmas Light Guys
Second Place: Horseback Caballeros
Third Place: DTW Band

10. Best Float Entry:
First Place: Christmas Tree Guys
Second Place: Central Martial Arts
Third Place: Scott’s Miracle Gro