Fourth Grader Jonah Lawrence to Serve as Grand Marshal for Oak Park 4th of July Parade
(Crystal A. Proxmire, July 2, 2026)
Oak Park, MI – Jonah Lawrence, a fourth grader at Ferndale Upper Elementary, has been selected to serve at Grand Marshal for the Oak Park 4th of July Parade.
Lawrence was commended by the City of Oak Park this past winter with a Civilian Citation in the face of a family crisis in early January. Jonah’s bravery, quick thinking, and keen awareness earned him this award, and he was celebrated in front of the entire Oak Park City Council and police force.
The citation reads, “Due to the keen awareness and quick actions of Jonah Lawrence by exiting his burning home and fleeing to the neighbor’s residence, the Oak Park 911 Dispatch was immediately contacted. Jonah Lawrence’s actions directly contributed to the successful rescue of his five-year old sister from the burning residence.”
Mayor Marian McClellan told Oakland County Times that “Jonah had the presence of mind to do the right thing, even when some adults might not have.”
“Oak Parkers help one another. We’ve got each others backs,” the Mayor said. “This is a place where people really care.”
Now Jonah will be able to ride in a carriage and help lead the way for those celebrating America’s 250th birthday.
The parade takes place on Friday July 3. It starts at 11am, beginning at Coolidge and McCain, traveling down Oak Park Blvd in front of City Hall and the Library, and moving on to the new Oak Park Woods playground at Shepherd Park.
Before the parade, from 9am to 11am, is the Oak Park Youth Assistance Pancake Breakfast at the new Oak Park Event Hub (14100 Oak Park Blvd). And after the parade is Oak Park Fun Fest from noon to 3pm.
The parade includes over forty groups and businesses, including Girl Scout Troop 77555, stilt walker KJ Art, Detroit Twirling Steppers, Oak Park Saints Marching Band, and many more. Jewish War Veterans and Tuskegee Airmen will also be among those saluted by the families that line the streets for this annual tradition.
Along with selecting a Grand Marshal, each year the city also honors a Business Grand Marshal. This year it’s Scotia Stop, with Mayor McClellan sharing that “Scotia Stop is always generous in supporting community events. The owners, David Samona and Dillon Samona care about our community in a way that big chain businesses don’t.”
Overall the parade and other festivities are “a way to be part of the Oak Park vibe,” McClelan said. It’s also a great time to check out the new Oak Park Woods, and the new event hub.
For more details check out the City of Oak Park on Facebook.
