Waterland Parade to celebrate community, racing legend

The annual Waterland Parade will roll through downtown Des Moines this Saturday, July 19, 2025, bringing a celebration of community spirit, cherished traditions, and tributes to the heart of the Waterland City.

This year’s parade will honor the legacies of two beloved figures:

• Longtime Des Moines resident and hydroplane racing champion Steve Huff.
• Community icon Bj Bjorneby, whose family has been a cornerstone of local business for generations.

The parade, part of the broader Waterland Festival weekend, will begin at 6 p.m. Saturday along Marine View Drive and is expected to draw crowds from across the region. Dozens of floats, marching bands, community groups, and classic vehicles will take part in the colorful procession.

Huff, who passed away on May 21 after a battle with Stage 4 cancer, will be remembered by friends and teammates marching behind a banner in his name. Their entry will be filled with “noise and enthusiasm,” led by Jill Andrews of The Flood Guys, and echo the familiar “Huff!” chant that has become a parade staple. Huff was the 2023 Waterland Parade Grand Marshal following his national championship win in hydroplane racing in 2022.

Also honored in this year’s festivities is the late Bj Bjorneby, co-founder of Bjorneby’s Car Care Center. Special vintage vehicles once owned by Bjorneby will return to the parade, and a family-led tribute aims to recognize his deep roots in Des Moines and his long-standing community service.

The Waterland Parade is organized by Destination Des Moines and supported by local sponsors and volunteers. Attendees are encouraged to arrive early to find good viewing spots along the route and enjoy family-friendly festivities throughout the day.

For more information about Waterland Weekend events, visit destinationdesmoines.org.