The annual Seward Fourth of July Celebration for 2026 is now in the history books, and the only thing left to do is hand out the parade awards and send out thank you’s, Seward July 4 Parade Chairman Kasey Riebel said.
“Our committee was so pleased with the truly volunteer effort to make our Seward Fourth of July Parade a success and we feel it was accomplished because of all the outstanding participation by so many - in so many different ways,” she said. “The parade theme for 2026 was to honor the semiquincentennial of the United States-the 250th anniversary with the message ‘One Nation-Many Stories!’ That was also one of the national USA-250 themes for the overall celebration.”
This year’s grand marshall was former Gov. Kay Orr of Lincoln.She was the 36th Governor of Nebraska -1987 to 1991 and the first woman governor of Nebraska.
“She was the recipient of the Nebraskan’s Friend Award and was presented the plaque and special Seward gifts at the afternoon’s Mayor’s Reception on July 4 before the parade by Jessica Kolterman, representing the Seward Fourth of July Celebration Committee and Mayor Josh Eickmeier,” Clark Kolterman, event chair, said.
Among the officials in the parade were U.S. Sen. Pete Ricketts, Congressman Mike Flood, Secretary of State Robert B Evnen, State Treasurer Joey Spellerberg, District 24 Senator Jana Hughes and husband John, and Seward Mayor Josh Eickmeier.
The top award, Best of Show for the 2026 parade, was awarded to H and S Plumbing, Heating and Air of Seward, family owned by Brian and Allyson Krohe. Their float this year brought the theme “Happy 50th Anniversary H and S Plumbing, Heating and Air” with a giant orange and white anniversary cake.
Additional award winners were:
Mel and Clarice Bolte Award, best live music—Wilber-Clatonia Alumni Band.
Cecil Drew Memorial Award, best horse-drawn unit—the Troy Schaefer for Sherff entry, the Cross Creek Animal Health Center in Staplehurst.
Dessalee Rousselle Memorial Award, the People’s Choice”Award—the Defenders Detachment Professional Star Wars Costuming.
Luke Mohatt Memorial Award, best youth entry—Patriot Games-Freedom 250!
Jim Orr Memorial Award, most patriotic presentation—Nebraska National Guard Museum Faces of Mt. Rushmore reenactors of Presidents George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, Abraham Lincoln and Teddy Roosevelt and their wives-Mary Todd Lincoln and Edith Roosevelt. The museum also entered a host of military vehicles in the parade to commemorate the USA-250 and entered an historic, Revolutionary Drum and Color guard as well.
Florence Keller Memorial Award, best business entry—Cutting It Close float featuring symbols of freedom such as a large bald eagle.
Mary and Margaret Sweasey Memorial Award, best civic entry—Tie between Seward Kiwanis Club for their Parade of Flags float and the Seward County Republican Party for their patriotic enthusiasm.
Merv Zillig Memorial Award, best horse unit—Butzke Equine Services and Training horse unit.
Mayor’s Award, best entry following the theme “One Nation-Many Stories”—Anderson Construction celebrating over 30 years of family in the construction business with the “Symbols of our Freedom.”
Dorothea Bek Memorial Award, best marching unit—Seward High Marching Bluejay Band/Flag Unit and Cheer Team under the direction of Amanda Kenney.
Chairman’s Award, the judges’ favorite—a giant USA-250 birthday cake sponsored by Just Serve.org.
Custom USA-250 parade trophies were designed by Tim Moravec are on display at the Seward Civic Center and can be claimed by the respective award recipients at the Seward Chamber office -open Monday through Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.
The Parade Chair was Kasey Riebel. The parade emcees were Lawson Luebbe and Tim Thurber, assisted by Clark Kolterman. Parade judge Chairman was Melanie Nutt of Cozad, and the judges were assisted by Riley Nuttleman with the Seward Fourth of July Celebration Committee.
The parade was live streamed by Mark Suhr.
To volunteer and become part of the Seward Fourth of July Celebration Parade Committee for 202, contact Kasey Riebel at the SCCDP or call 402-643-4189. For more information, visit julyfourthseward.com
