Grand Marshal
2026: Fifty Years of Grand Marshals
Since 1976, New Albany Founders Day has honored the people who shaped this community. Coaches, teachers, public servants, lifelong volunteers, entire families who showed up for New Albany and Plain Township in ways big and small.
This year, we’re inviting them all back. Grand marshals from every year of the festival will be honored in the parade and at the festival. For those who are no longer with us, we’ve invited two family members to be there in their honor.
Be sure to join us at 11:00 am at the Dr. Glyde A. Marsh New Albany Founders Day Parade on May 16, 2026!
Previous Honorees
2015
Robert and Debbie Dean
2014
Eileen Leuby
2013
Virginia McVay
2012
Helen Pestel
2011
Marjorie Bevelhymer
2010
Mike Brown
2009
Wib and Janet Kindler
2008
Kathy and Jim Mayhorn
2007
Nancy and Tom Marasek
2006
Iva and Robert Sammons
2005
Don and Carol Shoemaker
2004
Steve and Valerie Bevelhymer
2003
Ileane and Bob Dickendesher
2003
Ileane and Bob Dickendesher
2002
Kenny and Norma Massey
2001
Margie and Rollie Pestel
2000
Rudy and Elaine Sever, Linda Martin, Donna Hammes, and Lillian Shannon
1999
Pat and Willard Zarley
1998
Bob and Millie Goodrich
1997
Naomi and Jim Fodor
1996
Dr. John and Marilyn Saveson
1995
Helen Garrabrant, Evelyn Swickard, and William and Margaret Harrington (Honorary)
1994
Glyde and Margaret Marsh
1993
Chief Bernie Obert and Donna Obert
1992
Edith Yank and Oma Wickiser
1991
Fern Kennaw
1990
Clark and Evelyn Cubbage
1989
Herschel and Alice Boesch
1988
Cecil and Arloia Walton
1987
Aziel Shockley, Blanche Fravel, Walter and Bernadine Daily, and Jerry Cheeseman (Honorary)
1986
Kenny and Florence Bevelhymer
1985
Ethel Schleppi (100 years old)
1984
Herman and Lucille Herb
1983
Sled and Josie Garner
1982
Clare Taylor and Martha Ranney
1981
Ora Doran, Chester Doran, and Hazel Dawson
1980
Theresa Tiega (present queen), Christie Lowe (future queen), and Nellie Davis (past queen)
1979
Willis Doran and Jimmy Doran
1978
Lizzie Swickard, Ethel Schleppi, and Nina Estle
1977
Congressman John Ashbrook
1976