Nampa Parade America History
In the mid 1960’s, during the turbulent years of the Vietnam War with many anti-war protests, Hollywood actor, Chuck Conners (Western Show the Rifleman), sent a letter to cities across America, encouraging them to hold an annual community patriotic parade to support the American troops fighting for freedom. At that time, Mayor Ernie Starr, approached the Nampa Exchange Club, asking them to take on this project for the community of Nampa. The Nampa Exchange Club accepted the assignment and started the community parade. The parade was always on the last Wednesday evening of June, at Lakeview Park. At the conclusion of the parade, on the same evening in Lakeview Park, the God and Country Rally was held. There was a patriotic speaker and then fireworks followed by the Nampa Fire Department. The parade continued for several years in this manner, until it grew too large for Lakeview Park.
The decision was made to move the parade to Armed Forces Day, which is every third Saturday in May. This also allowed the Nampa school bands to participate. The God and Country Rally remained on the last Wednesday in June and is organized separately.
The parade was held for a consecutive 53 years because of a close partnership between the City of Nampa and the Nampa Exchange Club. Over the years, each mayor’s staff (including Mayor Kling), has generously provided their assistance to help in taking parade applications, processing them, and answering questions. Additionally, assistance from Nampa street and police department employees has made the parade a success. The longstanding tradition held until covid-19 cancelled the 2020 parade. It was at that point that it was decided that a parade board should be formed l, so February 2021 saw the founding of the Nampa Parade America Committee, Inc. to host the 54th Nampa Parade America and the future parades.
Chuck Connors - The Rifleman
