Jeff Baldus named Grand Marshal of Freedom Fest Independence Day Parade

The Austin Area Chamber of Commerce has named Jeff Baldus the 2022 Grand Marshal of the Independence Day Parade.

Each year, the Chamber Executive Committee choses an individual of outstanding service or commitment to the community to be the Grand Marshal of the parade. As winner of the Chamber’s Lifetime Achievement Award in 2021, Austin Area Chamber President Elaine Hanson stated that Baldus seemed the perfect choice.

A former executive director of the Austin Area Foundation, Baldus has been active on dozens of local boards and committees over the years and currently serves on the boards of KSMQ and First Farmers & Merchants Bank.  Baldus has also served as a Mower Commissioner since 2018.

The parade will begin at 11:00 a.m. on July 4th on Main Street and will include floats and entries from many different businesses, youth groups, bands, nonprofits, and individuals throughout Austin and the surrounding area. Freedom Fest activities will take place on July 3rd and 4th this year.