Latest news with #AppletonFlagDayParade
Yahoo
12-06-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
‘Try to make him proud': Beloved Appleton bar owner to be remembered in Flag Day Parade Saturday
APPLETON, Wis. (WFRV) – Even on a Wednesday morning at 11 a.m., Hank & Karen's Pub and Grill in Appleton is the place to be. Waiters hustle behind the counter, every barstool is filled, ladies play cards with laughter, and someone hits big on a corner slot machine. 'I'm going to try to make him proud,' said a teary-eyed Maggie Kresal, the bar manager and Hank's daughter. Children's Museum of Green Bay promotes healthy choices through new 'Taste of Summer' event Hank passed away on May 21—his wife Karen's birthday—at age 70 from cancer, following a diagnosis in April that came after months of illness beginning with an ulcer in December. The void left by his passing is deeply felt in both the community and the business he and Karen revitalized after purchasing it in 1989. 'When he got the actual diagnosis it was tough, because I quit my job eight years ago to take this over,' Kresal said. But with the support of her mother, Karen Grishaber, and her siblings, Kresal kept going. 'I was going to be lost, but my four kids have stepped up and really helped out,' Karen said. 'I don't think there's a day that goes by that you don't think about him. The kids have been wonderful.' 'I wanted him to be here to see the success of the business, to keep it going. So it was really tough. But my brothers and my sisters said, 'You need to keep it going. Dad would be proud of you no matter what,'' Kresal added. 'Everything I am is because of my dad. Everything.' And everything Hank was, was for his family—both biological and chosen. An estimated 1,500 people turned out for his celebration of life. 'His family meant everything to him. Everything he did was for his kids. Everything we learned throughout the years was because of him,' Kresal said. 'Everything he did was for his community. Everything. There was not enough that he could do; he always wanted to do more.' Signed photos cover the walls of Hank & Karen's Pub and Grill. Though they resemble those of national athletes, they are of local sports figures and racecar drivers Hank supported. 'He wanted people to go out and enjoy their hobbies and not have to worry about the extra costs that come with it,' Kresal said. Hank was known for putting his money behind causes close to his heart, supporting veterans and the Appleton Flag Day Parade—the oldest and largest in the nation. He participated just once, riding in his pride and joy: a 'rat-rod' GMC pickup truck emblazoned with his bar's name. 'That was his little pride and joy,' Karen said. This Saturday will be different. Their eldest son, Opie, will drive that truck in the parade, joined by racecars and sports teams Hank once sponsored. 'I think it'll be a big honor for us to be in there,' Karen said. And it's expected that—besides soldiers and veterans—Hank's tribute will draw the biggest cheers. The streets of College Avenue will overflow in celebration of the flag, those who serve, and one man who gave so much to his community. 'It'll be awesome,' Kresal said. 'It'll probably be emotional, because I think some of the attendees will get emotional about it too.' Kemps partners with Midwest food banks, donates nearly 800,000 milk cartons including 30,000 in Wisconsin 'Never had a better day.' That was Hank's trademark saying. And the only thing that could make Saturday better would be if Hank were there. In spirit, he will be—alongside all those lives he touched. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
08-06-2025
- General
- Yahoo
Newsmaker Sunday: Appleton Parade Committee talks 74th annual Flag Day Parade
(WFRV) – On this week's Newsmaker Sunday, Tom Zalaski is joined by Corey Otis and Eric Stadler of the Appleton Parade Committee to discuss the 74th annual Appleton Flag Day Parade. Preparations are underway for the 74th annual Appleton Flag Day Parade on June 14. The celebration, which attracts more than 50,000 spectators and participants from throughout the country to Appleton, has honored 'Old Glory' on the second Saturday of every June since 1950. Newsmaker Sunday: Appleton Mayor Jake Woodford Tune in to Newsmaker Sunday every Sunday at 7:30 a.m. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
16-02-2025
- General
- Yahoo
Appleton now accepting applications for the 2025 Flag Day and Memorial Day Parades
APPLETON, Wis. (WFRV) – The City of Appleton Parades Committee is now accepting applications for the 74th Appleton Flag Day Parade and the 2025 Appleton Memorial Day Parade. The 74th Appleton Flag Day Parade, labeled as the biggest and best Flag Day Parade in the country is scheduled for Saturday, June 14. 'The Appleton Flag Day Parade is more than a tradition, it's a powerful reminder of what brings us together as Americans,' said Corey Otis, Chairperson for the City of Appleton Parades Committee. 'When we celebrate the red, white, and blue, we not only salute the strengths of our nation but also the unity of our community.' Appleton Public Library re-opens its doors after several delays over 17 years Every year, the Flag Day Parade honors a branch of the military, but this year, Appleton will spotlight both the United States Marine Corps and Navy, which each celebrate 250 years of service in 2025. The theme of the 74th Appleton Flag Day Parade is 'Honor, Courage, Commitment,' the core values of the United States Marine Corps and Navy. 'The Marines and Navy have defended our freedom since the American Revolution,' said Otis. 'Their service and sacrifice have been vital to our nation's strength, security, and unwavering spirit.' Fox Cities residents have honored 'Old Glory' on the second Saturday in June since 1950, making the Appleton Flag Day Parade the nation's oldest. The celebration annually draws more than 50,000 spectators and participants from throughout Wisconsin and the country to Appleton. Ice fishing returns for Battle on Bago The 2025 Appleton Memorial Day Parade is scheduled for 9:00 a.m. on Monday, May 26, 2025. The Appleton Memorial Day Parade pays tribute to servicemen and women who paid the ultimate sacrifice while serving in defense of the United States. Organizations interested in participating in the 74th Appleton Flag Day Parade and/or the 2025 Appleton Memorial Day Parade must complete and submit an official application before April 15, 2025. Groups can access the applications online via the new City of Appleton website or the City of Appleton Parades Facebook page. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
