2024 Grand Marshals:

Al & Gloria Guilfoyle

Ode from the Grand Marshals of Danish Festival 2024

Alas!! The festival is over.
Our reign has come undone.
It’s sad to see its passing,
After this, can life go on?
No more fancy bows or curtsies
No more roaring of applause!
No more smiling faces in adoration,
Like we were the Danish Santa Clause!
Patriotic Flags are flying!

Speeches, Bands, Dignitaries, Queens, family and friends, abound—

Set the stage for celebration,

with a GREENVILLE STRONG FEELING all around!!
Then a gathering in our honor, Friends and Family all joined in,
for merriment, food and drink at The Winter Inn!
Our wonderful kick off Eve is over!
LET DANISH FESTIVAL BEGIN!!!!
Open air breakfast with aebelskivers,
Choosing of our Festival Queens,
So much talent on the main stage!!
Music, bands, plays and concerts to be seen!!
Then Parades, those were terrific!!
We took our son and grandkids too!
Fairytales and Fire Engines,
Both exciting and fun to do!!! (and loud)

The Grand Parade was very special-
All the smiles, support and love!

Brought home the meanining of what we were here for,
Our community of strength, of hope – beloved.

Tivoli Garden, Museums, Danish Culture-
Danish Dashes, Drones, food and beer.

And all the people who made it all happen,
We thank you all for your hard work and care!
Our last stops were two Danish Churches,
Founded so very long ago,
Helped set the foundation of our city,
Faith in God, Family, Fellowship, Charity and Love.
(Settlement Lutheran, and St. Paul Lutheran Churches)

Thanks to all the wonderful 60th Danish Festival Staff!! God Bless you all!!

We had so much fun!! Al and Gloria Guilfoyle

2025 Grand Marshal Nomination

We are accepting nominations for our 2025 Grand Marshal(s). All we ask for with nominations is that you submit their address and phone number along with a summary of the couple’s contribution to the Greenville area and specifically to the Danish Festival if they have been active in the event.

All nominations will be due June 13, 2025 at 5pm. Our Board of Directors will review nominations and make their decision after that.

See our list of previous Grand Marshals below.