Kimball's Farmer's Day parade has slowly passed over about 25 miles of once dirt, now paved roads in its 98 year history. Now with the 99th a little more than a month away, participants and spectators can expect to see a few upgrades. 

After over 15 years organizing the parade including a decade as its chairperson, Sandy Dominguez has invited a successor, Sarah Shropshire, to to join her at the helm of the parade. They will serve as co-chairs this year as Shropshire learns the ropes of the downtown Kimball mainstay and takes on the serious duty of planning the 100th annual Farmer's Day parade.

"I’m excited to help bring this year’s Farmers Day Parade to life as we celebrate 99 years of Kimball’s farming heritage and community spirit. We haven’t had a theme like this year’s, ‘99 Years and Growing,’ since… well, year 99, and it’s the perfect chance to show off the people, businesses, and organizations that make our town strong," Shropshire tells News Channel Nebraska. She brings with her a new online registration process that will help people get registered in one quick step from their phone or computer.

"Registration is quick and easy, and if you sign up by September 10 you’ll get the best spot on our new live parade lineup page so the whole community can see what you’re bringing," Shropshire said. "It’s time to dust off those boots, polish up the tractors—whether they’re brand new or classics from the barn—and get ready to roll."

Registration is free for anyone who fills out the quick registration form by September 10th. You can fill it out here: https://app.paradecloud.com/registration/1358/1f3073111261d55582f620501dce1fc5

Banner Capital Bank is sponsoring a Battle of the Bands, putting up a cash prize for the band that judges like the most on parade day. Parade spectators have long wanted more bands in the parade and Banner Capital hopes they can grow the parade and support local students with this fun new twist on the parade.

The parade will run down 2nd St from Burg St to Oak St with a spot at the 2nd and Chestnut intersection where entries can show-off for the judges and spectators can enjoy a public address describing the organization behind each entry.

104.3 KIMB and 98.7 The Big Boy's Jay Allen will enjoy his second year as the parade's emcee after longtime voice of the parade Kerry Ferguson was so fond of last years break that he decided to retire from the post.

"Filling Kerry's shoes is no small task, but I guess I've survived in this town on my good looks alone for long enough, I'm up to the challenge," Allen told News Channel Nebraska.

The parade will begin with a color guard and the national anthem as performed by Kimball Public School students and feature a Grand Marshall, Farmer or Rancher of the Year, Volunteer of the Year and Entrepreneur of the Year.