Jill and Larry Hartwig selected as Delta Days Grand Marshals

            Jill and Larry Hartwig of rural Delta have been chosen to lead the Delta Days Grand Parade after many years of supporting the annual celebration.

            The Hartwigs were married on February 29, 1960 in Larry’s hometown of What Cheer and three years later moved to Delta, where they have remained ever since. Jill was raised just outside of Montezuma, though the two had known each other since they were four years old. Together they had four children; Larry II of What Cheer, Mark, Ella of What Cheer and Coreen of Sigourney; fourteen grand children, seven step grandchildren, and eight great grandchildren.

            Over 54 years, the Hartwigs have lived on their farm outside of town, currently renting out their land. Over those years they have become a regular staple at the fair, driving their restored tractors in the Delta Days Grand Parade, watching the tractor pull with the family, and eating the previous BBQ pig roast. Their children and grandchildren have also taken part in kid events over the years.

            “We were totally surprised when Dixie Shipley asked us to be Grand Marshals this year,” Jill Hartwig said. “We’ve been in the parade for years, but never lead it. It’s a bit scary and exciting at the same time.”

            In their free time, the couple enjoys camping, going down to the state fair, and spending time with their large family, which Hartwig says Delta Days acts as a sort of family reunion for them each year.

            Delta Days this year is on Sept 10-11, with the Grand Parade the first day at 10:00 a.m.