Brewers’ Hanel to lead July 4 parade

Milwaukee Brewers bullpen catcher Marcus Hanel has been named honorary parade marshal for this year’s Fourth Fest parade in Racine.

“This is a special honor,” the 36-year-old Hanel said. “I have many fond memories of the Racine parade, which was the highlight of my summer as a kid. We always started our day at the German Club on Villa Street. Then all the dads would stay behind, while the moms took the rest of us to the corner of Seventh and Main, near the Heritage Museum. The fire trucks were always my favorite.”

Hanel, a 1989 graduate of Horlick High School, played 11 minor-league baseball seasons before being named the Brewers’ bullpen catcher nine years ago. He lives in Racine with his wife, Jill, their twin daughters, and young son.

“I’m fortunate that we’re not on the road as a team this year,” Hanel said. “That’s one of the hardest things about playing for the Brewers: you can’t always be home on the Fourth. This will be a lot of fun.”

“We’re recognizing Marcus for his efforts to help area children,” said parade co-chair Barb Gustin. “His ‘Koos for Kids’ program, specifically, which focuses on helping terminally ill and disadvantaged children in Racine, is a clear example of his commitment to kids and to our community. We’re thrilled to have him lead this year’s parade.”

Hanel joins an impressive list of former honorary parade marshals, including TV personality Allen Ludden (“Password,” 1973), Maj. Joseph Small (Operation Desert Storm POW, 1991), Green Bay Packers punter Craig Hentrich (1997), actress Barbara McNair (1999), Julia Burney (2000), former county executive Jean Jacobson (2004, 2005), and NBA player/Racine native Caron Butler (2007).

This year’s parade, “A Day at the Circus,” steps off from Main and Goold streets at 9 a.m. Friday, July 4. The pre-parade begins at 8:15. This is the 72nd annual Independence Day parade, sponsored in part by Racine on the Lake, CNH, Johnson Bank, Twin Disc, SC Johnson, In-Sink-Erator, Time Warner Cable, Modine Manufacturing, Tommy’s Chicago Dogs, Norco Inc., Central States Mortgage, Bank of Elmwood, Purath-Strand Funeral Home, Racine Dental, Andis Company, Great Northern Corporation, Putzmeister, Ace Stamping, Woodland/Alloy Casting, The Party Co., and Wal-Mart. The 9 p.m. fireworks along the Lake Michigan shoreline are sponsored by Frank Boucher Chevrolet, and a special ground-display of fireworks is sponsored by the Hispanic Business Professionals Association. Educators Credit Union is sponsoring the barrel campaign, where parade-goers can donate to help offset expenses.