Wadena Fire Department Minnesota

06/01/2026

ARE YOU READY FOR The JUNE JUBILEE GRAND PARADE ON JUNE 13?!
Do you want to know the route? Never fear ... we’ve got you covered with the America 250–style parade map!

📍 Parade Lineup: Begins at 4:30 PM behind M State
🎺 Grand Parade Start: 6:00 PM
🎈 Kiddie Parade Lineup: 5:30 PM
👟 Kiddie Parade Start: 5:45 PM

But here’s the important part:
👉 If we don’t receive enough Kiddie Parade entrants, it will be canceled. We want those little marchers to shine ... but we also need to make sure our volunteers aren’t overwhelmed. Please take a moment to preregister your kiddos.

And don’t forget…

🚨 PARADE DEADLINE EXTENDED!
The original deadline was June 3, but you now have until FRIDAY, JUNE 5 to register your float for either the Grand Parade or the Kiddie Parade.

✨ Register online ... quick, easy, and helps us organize the lineup:
🔗 https://forms.gle/2bx4vU1XYW4T6gVC6

We’re counting down the days, the excitement is building, and we cannot WAIT to celebrate with you.

We’re so excited … aren’t you!

05/29/2026

The people have spoken!

With more than 1,000 votes cast, we are proud to congratulate Sam Waln ... our king for a day and the Grand Marshal of the star spangled kick off … the 2026 June Jubilee Parade!

Nominated by Morgan Grangruth, Sam’s dedication to Wadena and the people who call it home shines like the stars themselves. Morgan’s heartfelt nomination says it best:

Why I Believe Sam Waln Should Be This Year’s Grand Marshal

I am writing to express my strong belief that Sam Waln should be selected as this year's Grand Marshal. I have had the privilege of witnessing firsthand the kind of person Sam is, and I can confidently say he is one of the most generous and compassionate individuals in our community.

Sam is always the first to step forward when someone needs help. Whether it's lending a hand without being asked or quietly taking care of a neighbor in need, he consistently puts others before himself.

One example that stands out is when a member of our community was battling cancer. During that difficult time, Sam made sure her driveway was plowed every single day. Even though she repeatedly offered to pay him, he never accepted anything in return. He simply did it out of kindness.

This is just one of many examples that reflect who Sam is. Time and time again, he goes above and beyond to support those around him. People in our town know they can count on him, no matter the situation. His willingness to help, combined with his humble and caring nature, has made a lasting impact on countless lives.

In many ways, Sam is already a small town celebrity ... not for seeking recognition, but for the genuine good he does every day.

That is exactly why he deserves this honor. Naming him Grand Marshal would not only recognize his contributions but also celebrate the spirit of generosity and community that he represents so well.

Thank you for your consideration.

Morgan Grangruth

Thank you, Morgan, for your beautiful words … and thank you, Sam, for being a true community superhero. Your kindness, humility, and steady willingness to help make Wadena a better place every single day.

We can’t wait to watch you lead the parade and wave to your adoring crowd. Congratulations, Sam!

05/15/2026

Please take a minute to vote! Sam Waln is one of our own fire fighters here in Wadena with 48 years of active service and still going strong!

We have our top three!
Meet the finalists and vote for your 2026 June Jubilee Grand Marshal!

After an incredible round of nominations, we’ve narrowed it down to three amazing contenders … three individuals who embody the heart, grit, and spirit of Wadena. (Please vote via the official voting options listed below. Comments are appreciated, welcome and an amazing show of support ... but the names in comments are not included in the voting.)

Our search for our 2026 June Jubilee Grand Marshal … our “King (or Queen) for the Day” community leader extraordinaire who will lead our Star-Spangled Summer Kickoff Parade with pride, purpose, and a whole lot of hometown sparkle …

Your 2026 Grand Marshal Finalists are …

KELLY WONG
A powerhouse of community pride. Kelly pours her heart into volunteering, always looking for ways to make Wadena stronger and brighter. If there’s an event, a project, or a need … Kelly is there, giving her time and energy without ever asking for recognition.

SAM WALN
A quiet hero with a heart of gold. Sam is always the first to step up when someone needs help … no recognition, no hesitation. When a community member was battling cancer, he plowed her driveway every single day, refusing any payment. His steady kindness and compassion make him a true pillar of Wadena.

LOWELL ROISUM
A Wadena fixture for 50+ years. As high school principal, Lowell welcomed countless families with leadership that was firm, fair, and full of heart. Always whistling, always greeting students by name, always putting Wadena first. Even in retirement, he continues serving through local charities and community work.


Community Vote: May 15–27
Now it’s your turn, Wadena. Help choose our 2026 Grand Marshal by voting for one of these three outstanding finalists. Cast your vote in person at the Chamber office, at Larry’s Family Pizza, Hometown Crafts, Weber’s Hardware or online at https://forms.gle/eNVy9yzpowQJ6nzn9

Grand Marshal Announcement: May 28
Drumroll, Wadena … we’ll reveal our 2026 Grand Marshal during our committee meeting on May 28. Your voice matters. And your vote will help crown the community leader who will lead our Star-Spangled Summer Kickoff Parade with pride and purpose.

Thank you to everyone who took the time to nominate your hometown hero!
Your stories, your pride, and your love for this community are exactly what make Wadena so special. I’m so grateful to see this become a truly community‑driven event ... shaped by you, inspired by you, and celebrating the people who make our town shine.

05/08/2026

Glad we could be a part of this at the school earlier this week!

04/30/2026

Grab your team and sign up! See you in a few short weeks!

04/28/2026

04/18/2026

🚧Hwy 10 Construction - What to Expect🚧

On or around May 4th through June (about 5 weeks), Highway 10 will be closed between Wadena County Road 4 and Harry Rich Drive so crews can remove poor soils and install the Union Creek culvert. During this time, drivers will need to use the signed detour via County Road 4 and Harry Rich Drive.

In June and July (about 6 weeks), the detour will extend toward Verndale while crews work between County Road 4 in Wadena and Oink Joint Road to replace the Whiskey Creek culvert and complete additional underground work. Watch for detour signs directing you to County Road 4 and County Road 23.

Later in July (about 3 weeks), access from Otter Tail County Road 75 south of Highway 10 will be closed to reconstruct that connection and build a J-turn. Drivers will use Highways 29, 71, and 10 through Wadena to get around this closure.

Business access maps will be made available in the coming week. For more information on the project, visit the project webpage on the MnDOT site: https://www.dot.state.mn.us/d3/projects/wadena/index.html

04/03/2026

Look at the bright side of this wonderful weather we are having in Wadena Minnesota! It slowed our chances of a grass fire down for a few days! Happy Friday and safe travels this weekend! Happy Easter to everyone! This is also a yearly reminder to not hide Easter eggs in the oven!