Orleans Parade Committee Narrows Grand Marshal Search to Two Candidates

ORLEANS — May 21, 2026 — Orleans parade committee narrows Grand Marshal search and maps volunteer needs for Independence Day celebration. Meeting May 21 with five members — four in person, one by video — the committee agreed to pursue former town counsel Mike Ford as its first-choice Grand Marshal, a candidacy brought forward by a member identified as Kevin Gallion, before approaching former Nauset Superintendent Tom Conrad if Ford declines. The Spirit of America Fife and Drum Corps, a 30-member walking group modeled on a Massachusetts regiment from 1812, was confirmed as a no-cost addition after previously seeking payment. Orleans Elementary student Harper Whibby won the parade theme contest with "Sand and Sea 250 Years Free" and will ride in the parade. The committee is targeting roughly 20 volunteers across staging, check-in, decoration, parking, and cleanup roles, with the National Junior Honor Society identified as a source for 15 to 20 student cleanup volunteers.