Henley JROTC cadets open historic 40th annual Snowflake Parade

Story by Master Sgt. (Ret.) Jefferson Thompson

Dec. 11, 2024 / The Henley High School Jr. ROTC Cadet Corps Color Guard led the 40th Annual Snowflake Parade in downtown Klamath Falls on Dec. 5, the first time the unit has done so.

Cadets from the Air Force-sponsored program provided the traditional parade opening, leading the procession with the U.S. flag followed by more than 117 entries from local organizations.

Although the 173rd Fighter Wing or the local VFW typically perform the honor of opening the parade, this year’s deployment cycle sees many local airmen deployed overseas and parade organizers asked Henley’s ROTC unit to step in. 

“It was a lot of fun,” said color guard member Cadet Andrei Shilov, a ceremonial rifle-bearer. “When I watched the video later we were all in-step and moving together as a team. I’m very proud of my team and I’m really proud of what we’ve accomplished — I can’t wait to see what happens down the road for all of us.”

“This is the first time the Henley ROTC color guard has opened the parade,” said Bernice Hantzmon, chairman of the Klamath Snowflake Festival. “It was wonderfully helpful — I think it’s fantastic that we have high schoolers who want to help out like this.” 

The color guard is made up of five cadets who carry the U.S. flag, unit guidon and ceremonial rifles, and its purpose is the ceremonial opening of events including football games and award ceremonies. 

Additionally, 31 more cadets volunteered to help nearby Dorris, Calif., Lions Club carry an enormous U.S. flag measuring 60-feet by 30-feet along the parade route.

“I’m here with all of my cadets and we are having a lot of fun,” said Josiah Gilbert, a Henley High School senior and ROTC cadet. “We’re here to do this parade because we love our country and we are going to show it — marching down the street with the flag.”

The parade itself was one for the record books said Alan Rodgers, the parade organizer. “We had 117 separate entries which is nearly a record and is far and away the most I’ve ever seen in my years organizing the parade.” 

He went on to say there were so many entries the staging area was completely full and parade traffic threatened to spill over onto local streets not closed for the event.

Hantzmon added that attendance is likely the highest ever, “We have estimates that more than 10,000 people who came out to watch the parade.” 

Organizers of the event wanted to commemorate the 40th iteration of the event, dating to 1984, and so themed the event: A Frosty 40th. Many of the floats reflected 1980’s culture featuring Rubik’s Cubes, MTV and songs from the 80s.