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The Midsummer Days parade Grand Marshal found a welcoming community when she joined the North Branch American Legion Post and she never looked back. Although not a military veteran herself, Michelle Still has been Legion Auxiliary President for 13 years and is a fixture at Midsummer Days booths and events, festival-goers would for sure recognize her from the park chuckwagon.

There are opportunities in the auxiliary to make friends enjoying fellowship with good people all over Minnesota when you get involved, says Still.  A member of the auxiliary can get as busy as they like or be  supportive in the background. When her two kids were littler, Michelle recalls she spent more time in 4H pursuits. 

Still is a North Branch high school grad (maiden name Panser), and her Legion connection was through her father’s service in World War II.  Her late husband, Jim, was a member of Sons of the American Legion.  

Michelle notices many generational ties among  membership which just helps bring everybody closer.  

As Auxiliary President her tasks include lining up volunteers from a roster of about 140 members, literally year-’round.  There’s always something going on at the North Branch Legion, there’s placing flags for Memorial Day, fundraisers like the Legion bingos, Mothers’ Day banquet.  This summer the Legion Post motorcycle riders group is hosting a Legacy Ride July 26-28, which will need all hands on deck.

Michelle’s longtme auxiliary pal Bobbie Elmstrand, will be driving the Grand Marshal car.  and that’s one volunteer slot she doesn’t fret.

The Midsummer Days parade steps off at 2 p.m. June 18 and travels on Main Street- Hwy. 95 from east—at about Grand Avenue— to west.

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