League of Women Voters Car Parade August 26

Door County, Wis. (August 13, 2026) – In celebration of Women’s Equality Day, the League of Women Voters of Door County (LWVDC) will host its annual car parade on Wednesday, August 26, this time turning the streets of Egg Harbor into a rolling call to protect voting rights and defend democracy.

Beginning at 4:30 p.m., vehicles may line up in the parking lane on Church Street in Egg Harbor. The car parade launches at 5 p.m. Following an escort car, the procession will proceed down Church Street, right on Harbor School Road, right on Hwy 42, right on Church Street, and then will repeat the loop.

A free community gathering follows at 5:30 p.m. at the Kress Pavillion, featuring live music, speakers, and a shared purpose of protecting and defending voting rights and democracy. This year’s program includes remarks by former Wisconsin Lt. Governor Barbara Lawton and a live music performance by Cathy Grier + the Woman Troublemakers. There will also be prizes for the best decorated vehicles.

Starting at 6:30 p.m., LWVDC will present a free showing of the Tony Award-winning musical “Suffs,” which tells the story of the American suffragist movement and its trailblazing leaders, in the Kress Great Hall. Free pizza and popcorn will be available while quantities last.

Now in its seventh year, the event celebrates the ratification of the 19th Amendment in 1920, which granted women the right to vote. The parade, however, is more than a nod to history – it’s a lively, all-ages celebration with a call to action to protect democracy and voting rights today.

This year’s event is part of the League’s national Unite & Rise 8.5 campaign. Unite & Rise 8.5 aims to build a movement of 8.5 million individuals to unite and rise against the anti-democratic actions of the current administration. It launched in May 2025 and runs thru the 2026 midterm elections.

“This day is for honoring what the suffragists accomplished for us 106 years ago and for defending our voting rights and democracy going forward,” said Heidi Ling, LWVDC Board Secretary and parade organizer. “The original ‘suffs’ showed us how it’s done, with courage, determination, sacrifice, and yes, joy. Carrying that energy forward together, we must continue to be a powerful force to preserve the democracy we value.”

The car parade is open to all, and participants are encouraged to decorate their cars, wear costumes, and honk proudly, just as women did in the original 1920 car parades. Pre-registration is not required – just line up on Church Street at Market in Egg Harbor starting at 4:30 p.m. to participate. Those not joining the parade are invited to join the gathering at the Kress Pavillion following the car parade. Costumes are welcome but not required.

Consistent with LWV policy, signage about democracy, voting, and current issues is welcome and encouraged at the parade. Partisan signage and campaigning are not permitted at the parade or celebration afterwards. Check out full event guidelines, the car parade route, and more information at www.lwvdoorcounty.org.