Dunlap’s 4th of July: Grand Marshall
Cogdill’s Named Grand Marshals for 2026 Dunlap Fourth of July Parade
By Jill Schaben
For the Harrison County Times-Reporter
Sam and Sue Cogdill were surprised during a recent RAGBRAI committee meeting when members of the Dunlap Fourth of July Committee announced they had been selected as the 2026 Dunlap Fourth of July Parade Grand Marshals.
Committee members Justin Schaben, chair, along with Jake McAllister, Liberty Monk, Austin McDonald, and Jill Melby made the announcement as the couple arrived for their regularly scheduled committee meeting.
In presenting the honor, Schaben highlighted the Cogdills’ decades of service and leadership in the community.
“Sue dedicated many years as a beloved teacher in the local school district, shaping the lives of countless students and fostering a love of learning,” Schaben said. “She has remained an active community leader through her involvement with community organizations and volunteer efforts that continue to make Dunlap a better place.”
Schaben also noted Sam’s long history of civic leadership.
“Sam’s leadership spans decades, having served on DCDC and its predecessor organ-ization since 1980,” he said. “His impact can be seen throughout Dunlap in its health care access, downtown vitality, recreational amenities and the strong culture of volunteerism that defines the community today.”
Committee members said the selection was an easy decision because of the couple’s lifelong commitment to serving others.
“When we talked about who best represents the spirit of Dunlap, Sam and Sue quickly rose to the top of the list,” said Fourth of July Committee Chair Justin Schaben.
“Their dedication has touched nearly every corner of our community, and this honor is a small way to thank them for decades of service.”
“Many people in Dunlap can point to a time when Sam or Sue encouraged them, volunteered alongside them or helped make a community project possible,” Schaben said. “Their impact is lasting, and it continues to be felt today.”
Austin McDonald said the Cogdills embody the volunteer spirit that helps communities thrive.
“They don’t seek recognition for what they do,” McDonald said. “They simply show up, work hard and invest in the success of Dunlap. That’s exactly the kind of example we want to celebrate as Grand Marshals.”
The committee said the honor recognizes not only the Cogdills’ individual accomplish-ments but also their shared commitment to improving the community through service, leadership and volunteerism.
Sam and Sue will lead the 2026 Dunlap Fourth of July Parade, which will be held as part of the community’s annual Independence Day celebration.
