The Parade of Nations is almost here. This Saturday, September 17, floats, bands, dancers and marchers carrying banners and flags of more than 60 nations will leave Quincy Green in Hancock at 11 a.m., cross the lift bridge and move up Shelden Avenue in Houghton to the Dee Stadium.

At the Dee, international students from Michigan Tech and Finlandia University will be serving food of their countries. Food is take-out only this year.

The parade will feature a banner honoring Deb Mann, a long-time member of the Parade of Nations committee, who died in a house explosion late last month.

“Deb Mann was a powerhouse,” said Machel Borsum, chair of this year’s Parade of Nations. “She served on our planning committee for years and contributed more than I can say. We miss her, and we mourn her.”

Parade marshal this year is International Neighbors, a local group that provides friendship and programs to help international newcomers adjust, explore and experience this area, and it provides many opportunities for conversational English.

Recently, they were active in helping get Houghton and Hancock designated as International Cities of Peace.

There will be prizes for the best floats this year.

Float judges are:

· Mayra Morgan, last year’s Parade of Nations chair

· Aila Weber, Hancock Rotary member

· Haley Makela, Finlandia University professor

For more information on the Parade of Nations, go to https://www.mtu.edu/international/get-involved/parade-nations/ or email [paradeofnations@mtu.edu]paradeofnations@mtu.edu.