DeBree named Grand Marshal and Evans selected as Fair Lady

Every great parade begins with tradition, and this year's Mineral County Fair and Parade proudly continues one of its most meaningful customs by recognizing two outstanding community members. The Grand Marshal and Fair Lady represent different roles, but together they celebrate the spirit, service, and hometown pride that make Mineral County such a special place to call home.

The title of Grand Marshal is reserved for someone whose lifetime of service and dedication has left a lasting impact on the community. Whether through military service, volunteerism, leadership, education, or civic involvement, the Grand Marshal serves as the honorary leader of the parade and a symbol of community pride.

The Fair Lady serves as an ambassador for the fair, representing the welcoming spirit of the event while encouraging community involvement and celebrating the traditions that bring neighbors together. Today, the title honors leadership, volunteerism, and a passion for preserving the values that make county fairs such an important part of rural life.

This year, the Mineral County Fair Board is proud to recognize James "Jim" DeBree as the 2026 Grand Marshal and Florence Evans as the 2026 Fair Lady.

Jim DeBree's life has been one of service—to his country, to agriculture, and to the communities he has called home. Born on November 9, 1933, at St. Peter's Hospital in Helena, Jim spent his early years attending schools in Austin, Victor, and Willow Creek before graduating in 1951. He went on to earn a degree in Soils and Agricultural Education from Montana State College. After college, Jim answered the call to serve by joining the United States Air Force. He completed pilot training in Texas before earning his wings in 1956. Advanced training took him to Luke Air Force Base in Arizona and Nellis Air Force Base in Nevada, where he flew both the F-84 and the F-100 fighter aircraft. Assigned to the 333rd Tactical Fighter Squadron at Seymour Johnson Air Force Base in North Carolina, Jim served seven years, including assignments throughout the Philippines, Thailand, and other locations in Southeast Asia. In 1959, Jim married Shirley Ann Wise, and together they built a family with their two children, Robert and Gaylene. Returning to civilian life in 1963, Jim continued serving others through education. He joined Montana State University Extension as Ravalli County's Extension Agent before later accepting a leadership position with the University of Wyoming as Associate Dean of the College of Agriculture and Director of Cooperative Extension. Following his retirement in 1995, Jim and Shirley made Superior their home. Retirement certainly didn't slow him down. Jim became deeply involved in community life, serving with the United Methodist Church, Masonic Lodge and Eastern Star, the Mineral Community Hospital Board, the Lloyd Ridings VFW Post 6235, and helping organize the Performing Arts Council, We Care of Mineral County, and the Mineral County Economic Development Council. His decades of military, educational, and community service make him a fitting choice to lead this year's parade.

If you've spent any time in Superior, chances are you've been greeted by Florence Evans' warm smile. For years, Florence has been a familiar face at the Mineral County Library, where she has helped enrich the community in countless ways. She has organized adult interest groups, helped lead the children's Summer Reading Program, kept the library's food pantry stocked, and welcomed authors to the community through special library events.

Florence and her husband have shared 46 years of marriage while raising their three daughters. Today, they are proud grandparents of six grandchildren who bring endless joy to their lives. Home is where Florence's talents truly shine. Her kitchen is filled with the aromas of homemade breads, baked goods, and meals prepared from scratch. Her flourishing garden provides an abundant harvest each summer, much of which she carefully preserves so family and friends can enjoy it throughout the year. She also enjoys reading, crocheting, sewing, and even taking piano lessons, proving that learning is truly a lifelong adventure. Perhaps Florence's greatest gift is bringing people together. Whether around the dinner table, through library programs, or at the county fair, she creates spaces where friendships grow and community thrives. The Mineral County Fair Board also extends its heartfelt appreciation for Florence's many years of dedicated service as an Open Class judge and clerk. Volunteers like Florence are truly the heart of the fair, and her generosity and commitment have helped make the Mineral County Fair a success year after year.

The 2026 Mineral County Parade begins at 11 a.m. on Saturday, August 1. The parade starts on West Mullan Avenue, travels to River Street, crosses the Veterans Bridge, continues along 4th Avenue East, turns onto Pennsylvania Avenue, and concludes at the Mineral County Fairgrounds where the American flag at the main entrance was flown over the Montana Capitol on July 4th in celebration of our 250th birthday.

As friends and neighbors gather along the parade route, take a moment to wave to this year's Grand Marshal and Fair Lady. Their stories remind us that strong communities are built by people who quietly serve, generously give, and invest in the lives of others. Congratulations to Jim DeBree and Florence Evans, two outstanding individuals whose lives embody the very best of Mineral County.

    James "Jim" DeBree is the 2026 Grand Marshal.