2023 VOLUNTEER OF THE YEAR: JOHN WHITE

John White

Nominated by the The Parade Company Detroit, MI, USA

The importance of volunteers to our industry cannot be overestimated. Whether the individual acts as a volunteer administrator of an event or contributes his or her time and resources in support of a larger, multi-event organization with a paid staff, the efforts that are put forth deserve our heartiest congratulations and recognition.

It is for that reason that the IFEA Volunteer of the Year Award was created to recognize those outstanding event volunteers whose unselfish and dedicated service to a member festival or event has made a significant difference in their community and mirrors the commitment to success in our professional ranks.

The International Festivals & Events Association is pleased to announce John White from The Parade Company in Detroit, MI as the recipient of the 2023 IFEA Volunteer of the Year Award.

As this year’s winner, John was the guest of the IFEA at the IFEA’s 66th Annual Convention, Expo & Retreat, presented by Clover, in McAllen, Texas, USA. He was recognized and presented with his award during the IFEA Awards Luncheon on Wednesday, October 11, 2023.

John White’s volunteer journey began in 1958 when he was a young man working for J.L. Hudson Department Store. Back then, employees of the department store were “volun-told” to participate in the Thanksgiving Parade.

Fast forward 64 years and John is still rocking and rolling! As a dedicated volunteer for America’s Thanksgiving Parade presented by Gardner White, John has volunteered for all but three Parades!

Over the years, John has held just about every position in the Parade. He has volunteered as a Banner Carrier, Balloon Handler, Band Marshal, and Clown. He also serves as one of our rockstar tour guides! With a wealth of knowledge about the Parade, John has a warm, personable demeanor that makes him one of The Parade Company’s best tour guides.

Whenever John conducts a tour, he goes above and beyond to make it a memorable experience. Usually, he shows up an hour before the tour, wearing his famous penny loafers (usually two different color shoes), a colorful fedora hat or a Parade Company baseball cap, Parade buttons, a Parade vest, and a Parade shirt. John has parade spirit in spades!

As a result, John is often requested for specialty tours and VIP groups. Guests who have enjoyed his tours often recommend him to their friends and family as well.

The Parade Company receives many requests for its paper mâché (Big Heads) to appear at grand openings, corporate events, and other local parades. Volunteers usually wear the Big Heads at these events. The paper mâché heads weigh anywhere from 5lbs to 50lbs depending on the head. John has been a remarkable helper at these events, whether he is wearing a Big Head or serving as a Handler for another volunteer. He always shows up on time and with a smile.

Besides volunteering with The Parade Company, John is very active in the community. Over the past 15 years, he has served as a docent tour guide at the Detroit Zoo, as a volunteer at the Detroit Grand Prix for 5 years, and as a volunteer with the Detroit Riverfront Conservancy since 1990.

Despite his busy schedule, he still manages to donate an average of 150 service hours a year to The Parade Company, and spend time with his partner Larry, son Brian, daughter JoLynne Marie, and grandchildren Conor, Preston, Brennan, and Braden!

The Parade Company staff have come to know and love John over the years. Whatever task John is asked to do, he gives it his all and never complains.

There is passion in everything he does. It’s in his strut as he marches down Woodward as a Band Marshal for the Parade. It’s in his smile when he greets guests at events, and it’s in his spirit when he connects with the guests on his tours.

John is one of a kind. We at The Parade Company are beyond thrilled and happy to congratulate John White - the IFEA Volunteer of the Year!

Please help us congratulate our 2023 IFEA Volunteer of the Year Award Winner, John White.