Kazoo Corps returns to Glen Arbor Fourth of July parade

Township discourages water guns, balloons

From staff reports

Glen Arbor’s celebrated Fourth of July parade—proudly an “anything goes” fete for 60 years—has a few rules and structure now. But not too much will change.

Parade founder Stan Brubaker, who passed away on March 6, will be the grand marshal. His eldest son Rodney, 66, will ride to honor his father. John Peppler, a storied Glen Arbor realtor, ski coach and Vietnam veteran who died last August, will also be honored as parade marshal. Peppler’s sister Linda and Dotti Thompson will march at the front of the parade holding a banner in honor of Brubaker and Peppler. They’ll be followed by a 1965 black Cadillac and a Jaguar Coupe.

In Brubaker’s absence, the Glen Arbor Township will manage the parade, which lines up in Glen Haven and leaves for Glen Arbor at noon. Water guns, cannons and water balloons won’t be allowed this year.

“There’s no more ‘anything goes’,” said Glen Arbor Township clerk Pam Laureto. “We have permits and parade insurance now.

“People have complained in the past, and we’re getting rid of things that can hurt little kids or make older people wet. Getting creamed in the head by a water balloon you weren’t expecting is no fun, especially when you’re 75 years old.”

Throwing candy (and Glen Arbor Sun newspapers) is fair game, but parade participants are encouraged to toss goodies away from the road and into the crowds.

 

Kazoos return

Glen Arbor’s iconic citizen kazoo corps returns to the Fourth of July parade this year, following a three-year hiatus prompted by the COVID-19 pandemic.

“We’re returning by popular demand,” said Mimi Gaff, director of the kazoo corps, which launched in 1987 when 7-10 “brave” people joined the parade. The idea caught on, the group posted fliers prior to the parade, and Gaff estimated that 70-80 took part one year, lining up in rows of eight people. After a little urging from Cherry Republic owner Bob Sutherland, the kazoo corps are back in business this year.

The corps is comprised of volunteers who meet at the Christian Science Church parking lot prior to the parade and join a quick, 15-minute rehearsal before entering the procession as it moves down M-109 from Glen Haven and into Glen Arbor.

“Just show up and wear red, white, and blue,” said Gaff. “We supply the kazoos, which we clean with rubbing alcohol.”

The kazoo corps plays three songs on repeat: “Yankee Doodle Went to Town,” “Yankee Doodle Dandy” and “You’re a Grand Old Flag”