Middleton Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 8216 has led every Good Neighbor Festival parade since the festival began. Its members represent veterans whose service continues to strengthen the country and the Middleton community.

First responders from the Middleton Police Department, Middleton Fire Company No. 1, and Middleton Emergency Medical Services serve and protect the community every day.

Dom Ricks, the well-loved principal of Kromrey Middle School, serves as the 2026 Good Neighbor Festival Parade Marshal.

The festival’s major sponsors are accompanied by the family of Edwin “Bird” Acker, who drove his 1959 Farmall 560 tractor in the parade for many years. Bird died in 2023 at age 104, and his eldest son, Don Acker, now drives the same tractor in his memory. Sponsor support makes the volunteer-run festival possible and benefits its nonprofit trustee organizations.

Middleton Ford celebrates 80 years as a family-owned and operated hometown dealership. The company also sponsored the Madison Pipes & Drums’ appearance in this year’s parade.

Madison Pipes & Drums, led by Pipe Major Christopher Brand and Lead Drummer David Bradley, performs in parades and Highland Games competitions throughout the Midwest. The band promotes Scottish and Irish culture and offers bagpiping and drumming lessons for all ages.

Jessica Stone Gesualdo serves as the 2026 president of the Good Neighbor Festival and represents Middleton Youth Hockey as a festival trustee. She and the festival team devoted countless volunteer hours to preparing the weekend’s events.

Middleton Youth Hockey offers instructional, recreational, and competitive hockey for children in the Middleton-Cross Plains Area School District, beginning at age 4. Registration is available at MiddletonYouthHockey.com.

Lake Ridge Bank is Middleton’s full-service, locally owned community bank, with two Middleton locations. The bank also sponsors Bucky Badger and the UW Spirit Squad in this year’s parade.

Bucky Badger and the UW Spirit Squad return to the Good Neighbor Festival Parade with sponsorship from Lake Ridge Bank.

Infinity Martial Arts operates eight Madison-area schools offering high-energy classes that build respect, focus, confidence, and goal-setting skills. Infinity also sponsors the festival’s Friday Kiddie Parade. More information is available at InfinityMA.com.

Middleton Mayor Lisa Janairo, members of the Common Council, and staff from several city departments represent the City of Middleton.

The City of Middleton Sustainability Committee and MCPASD Green Teams work with local government, schools, and residents to make Middleton the most sustainable community in Dane County.

Young dancers from the City of Middleton Parks and Recreation summer dance program share the skills and routines they developed this season.

The Middleton Public Library fosters learning and provides resources for the entire community. Library services are available Monday through Saturday, around the clock at midlibrary.org, and aboard the Bookmobile during visits throughout Middleton.

Madison’s Country Q106 features country music and lifestyle programming on 106.3 FM, the free Q106 app, and Q106.com.

Fleet Feet Madison and Sun Prairie help inspire the runner in everyone through personalized shoe fitting, training programs, and quality running gear.

Jonathan Bee rides a 52-inch high-wheel bicycle, a style popular from about 1870 to 1890. Also called a penny-farthing, its dramatically different wheel sizes resemble the old British penny and farthing coins. Many high-wheel bicycles had no brakes, making a headfirst fall over the handlebars a constant risk.

Tutu School Middleton offers ballet and creative-movement classes for children ages 6 months to 8 years. Imaginative storytelling, music, and dance help its young students build confidence, creativity, and a lifelong love of movement.

Good Neighbor Award recipient Erin Summers brings creativity, energy, and a deep commitment to Middleton civic life. A part-owner of Sketchworks Architecture, she serves on the Middleton Arts Committee and Plan Commission, supports the Middleton Art Walk and Girl Scouts, and organized an electronics recycling event benefiting WayForward Resources.

The Middleton-Cross Plains Area School District serves students and families throughout Middleton, Cross Plains, and the surrounding communities.

The 230-member Middleton High School Cardinal Marching Band performs Michael Jackson’s “Billie Jean.” The district’s largest student organization is part of a music program that also includes jazz bands, pep band, and wind ensembles.

The Middleton Dance Team performs at school athletic events and community celebrations and has qualified for the State Dance Championship for 12 consecutive years. The team has earned 13 state trophies, including second place in D1 Hip Hop in 2024 and 2026, and three regional championships.

Middleton Boys Soccer is a three-time state champion, including back-to-back titles in 2023 and 2024. The varsity program holds an all-time record of 724 wins, 216 losses, and 83 ties, with home matches played at Penni Klein Park and Burghy Stadium during September and October.

Middleton Girls Volleyball returns to the Fieldhouse with three seniors and five returning players. The team’s 2026 motto emphasizes putting the team and teammates before oneself.

The Middleton football program includes players from youth teams through varsity, along with the coaches who support them. Go Cardinals!

The Middleton High School Cheer Team brings Cardinal spirit to athletic events, competitions, and community appearances.

The MCPASD Education Foundation supports schools, educators, and students throughout the Middleton-Cross Plains Area School District.

One Community Bank focuses on serving clients, supporting colleagues, and investing in its communities. Visit any ONE of their locations for Feel Good Banking!

Good Neighbor Award recipient Kevin Mahaney has shaped Middleton through decades of civic leadership, relationship-building, and quiet generosity. He helped lead the successful Stone Horse Green capital campaign and has volunteered with the Middleton Area Development Corporation and Chamber of Commerce.

The Middleton Endowment funds local organizations and projects that strengthen the community and help neighbors thrive. Its message is simple: Give where you live. Support Middleton.

Soon To Be Famous joins the 2026 Good Neighbor Festival Parade.

More than 50 local Girl Scouts from Middleton and Cross Plains designed and built this festive flamingo float. Girl Scouts of Badgerland welcomes school-age girls to develop skills, friendships, and confidence—and will return with cookies next February.

Scouts BSA Troop 140 for boys, Troop 40 for girls, Cub Scout Pack 140, and Venture Crew 140 are sponsored by St. Luke’s Lutheran Church. Since 1959, thousands of Middleton-area youths have developed outdoor skills, leadership, teamwork, and a commitment to community service through Scouting.

St. Luke’s Lutheran Church has served Middleton and the surrounding community since 1894.

Kittelson Swim School helps Madison-area children become safer, stronger, and more confident swimmers. Small classes, supportive instruction, and lessons for all skill levels help children build abilities that last a lifetime.

Clubhouse for Kids Daycare Center provides children with a welcoming home away from home.

ADIO Chiropractic offers whole-family wellness care, including prenatal and pediatric care, for families throughout the Madison area.

T.J. Howell rides the Rocket Cycle, a one-wheeled wonder featured in more than 700 parades and events across the country, including the Indianapolis 500 Parade. Videos of the one-of-a-kind ride have reached more than 100 million online viewers.

The Middleton Mountain Bike Team includes student-athletes from Kromrey Middle School, Glacier Creek Middle School, and Middleton High School. The team competes in the Wisconsin Interscholastic Cycling League and has earned numerous podium finishes through hard work, teamwork, and sportsmanship.

Asbury Church serves the community through projects such as its free Coffee on the Curb drive-through and today’s distribution of ice-cold water. Its South Beach message celebrates life in the sunshine and the Light of the Son.

Good Neighbor Award recipient Amy Sanderson has served Middleton for decades through steady volunteerism and care for children and neighbors. Her service includes nearly 20 years at WayForward’s food and clothing pantry, platelet donation through the American Red Cross, work as a substitute educational aide, and care of a neighborhood garden at Waconia and Elm Lanes.

WayForward Resources, established in 1980, provides nutritious food to people throughout Dane County. The nonprofit also helps residents of Middleton, Cross Plains, and parts of west Madison remain securely housed.

The S.S. OPN Architects carries a crew of architects and interior designers who create schools, civic buildings, libraries, community centers, and workplaces. Their float celebrates big ideas, creativity, community spirit, and places that bring people together.

Middleton United Soccer Club annually serves more than 1,200 recreational and competitive players ages 4–18. Its affordable programs promote sportsmanship, teamwork, skill development, and the physical, mental, and emotional growth of young athletes.

Woof Gang Bakery & Grooming is a neighborhood pet boutique and grooming salon in Greenway Station, offering pets a gentle, low-stress experience—and plenty of treats.

The Jolly Giant Stilt Walkers have walked tall across thousands of miles in cities throughout America, bringing smiles to millions for more than 20 years.

For more than 50 years, Iconica has designed and built places where the community lives, works, learns, and plays. Its integrated architecture, engineering, and construction team guides projects from the first sketch through the final walkthrough.

The Concrete Remover was founded in Middleton by Ken Wagner in 1995 and is now owned by his daughter, Jessica Kalscheuer. The company specializes in concrete removal, excavation, egress windows, additions, and curb cutting.

Middleton Basketball Club is a volunteer-based organization that gives local young people opportunities to play, grow, and enjoy the game of basketball.

Good Neighbor Award recipient Brian Drunasky has strengthened Middleton through more than four decades of youth coaching, community service, and everyday kindness. He supports the Middleton Baseball and Softball Commission, volunteers at the WayForward food pantry, and helps older neighbors with snow removal.

Rush Wisconsin Soccer Club builds a competitive and inclusive environment that supports the physical, mental, and emotional well-being of players of all backgrounds, ages, and ability levels. More information is available at RushWisconsin.com.

Big Al represents Allen Lund Company, a full-service transportation broker with more than 40 offices across the United States and Canada. The company provides transportation and supply-chain services for businesses of every size.

The Sauk Prairie Marching Band is in its 15th season under director Matt Koscinski. A perennial top-two Wisconsin finisher, the band has earned three Best Color Guard and three Best Percussion awards and hosts an annual marching band invitational at Sauk Prairie High School.

Bergstrom Lexus of Madison features an electrified lineup that includes fully electric, hybrid, and plug-in hybrid vehicles.

Thebco Windows, Doors & Siding celebrates 50 years of serving Middleton. Since 1976, the company has built its reputation on quality craftsmanship in windows, doors, siding, and exterior improvements.

Head Over Wheels is a Madison-based circus performance and coaching company whose artists have competed internationally in wheel gymnastics. Based at Madison Circus Space, the group offers performances and classes in German wheel, high-flying trapeze, and other circus arts.

Stonefield Neighborhood Association celebrates a neighborhood of approximately 200 families, two Middleton parks, and Elm Lawn Elementary. Its history reaches back to an 1863 log cabin and a 1901 Watertown-brick farmhouse; the rooster from a former red barn remains part of the neighborhood’s identity.

Silver Lining Taekwon-Do has served Middleton for more than a decade, teaching martial arts along with confidence, discipline, and other valuable life skills. Its guiding message encourages every student to strive for excellence.

Clear Vision ProWash celebrates 24 years in business and four consecutive Best of Madison Gold awards for exterior cleaning. Services include house washing, interior and exterior window cleaning, deck and concrete cleaning, and gutter and roof cleaning.

The Cripple Creek Cloggers are dancers of all ages from across southern Wisconsin. The group meets weekly in Waunakee to learn routines, rehearse performances, and have fun, with beginner lessons starting in September.

Phoenix Force Robotics is a Madison nonprofit that advances STEM opportunities for young people throughout Dane County. Program information and donation opportunities are available at ftcrobotics.com.

Middleton DeMolay is a youth-led organization that helps young men ages 12–20 develop confidence, leadership, trustworthiness, and lasting friendships.

LSM Chiropractic has served area patients for more than 70 years. Its network includes 17 clinics and more than 40 providers committed to quality care.

Middleton Area Wrestling Club helps young athletes build confidence, leadership, and discipline through wrestling, with an emphasis on hard work, fun, and personal growth.

Brass Knuckles brings together some of Madison’s finest and most versatile musicians.

Capital City Power Washing provides exterior cleaning services for homes and businesses throughout the area.

Peace Thru Christ Lutheran Church and School presents a beach-themed message connecting the festival with the peace of Christ. Its float uses sand, waves, and the ocean as symbols of God’s immeasurable love, strength, and creativity.

Mad City Aqua Stars is the Madison area’s only artistic swimming team. Its recreational and competitive youth programs combine swimming, dance, and gymnastics while building strength, teamwork, and confidence in the water.

The Exteriors Company is a local contractor specializing in roofing, windows, siding, gutters, and doors. The company serves the Madison area from west-side and east-side locations with products built for Wisconsin conditions.

106.7 The Resistance features alternative rock, new music, and favorite artists on 106.7 FM, AltMad.com, and the free Resistance app.

Triton offers a full-service car wash, complete automotive detailing, and a convenient dog wash.

Solas Natural Burial Preserve is a Middleton nonprofit and Wisconsin’s leading provider of green burials. Certified by the Green Burial Council, Solas offers “the green way to go.”

Miramont Behavioral Health provides compassionate inpatient and outpatient mental health care in Middleton, helping individuals and families find stability, healing, and hope.

Forward! Marching Band is Madison’s community activist street band. Now 15 years old, the ensemble performs in support of social justice and stronger communities.