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Dall named parade marshal

Iola Christmas Parade set for Dec. 2

By Jane Myhra


David Dall will be the parade marshal for the Iola Lioness Christmas Parade on Dec. 2.

After the 10 a.m. parade, Dall will perform Christmas songs at the Iola Historical Society.

This year will mark Dall’s 20th consecutive Christmas concert in Iola. The Rhinelander-based singer-songwriter first performed here after the Christmas parade in 1998.

“I am delighted and honored to be chosen as parade marshal,” Dall said.

“Iola holds a special place in my heart.”

“It’s the people,” he explained. “The community is so welcoming, unlike any other that I’ve performed at. When I arrive in Iola, it’s like going back home for a visit. People are genuine and they really care about each other and seem to really care about my wife and me.”

A musical performer since the age of 13, Dall taught early education for almost 25 years before he retired.

“I received my first guitar on Christmas when I was 8 years old. Maybe that’s why I like to celebrate Christmas so much,” he said.

“Every performance that I give is different because you never know what kind of audience you’re going to experience,” Dall said. “One of the most fun things is getting children and their parents involved, and hearing their stories and songs as well as my own. I love the response that I get from audience members.”

In addition to children’s shows, he performs at weddings, benefits, birthday parties, anniversary celebrations and festivals.

“I kind of think of myself as a traveling juke box,” he said. “I’ve created a musical menu that I bring with me wherever I go so that audience members can make their own choices of what they want to hear from my repertoire. These songs include favorites for people of all ages; from the ‘50s to the ‘90s. On occasion, I learn and perform specific songs for special occasions.”

Dall has recorded several CDs, with his favorite being the Christmas CD “Hometown Holiday.”

“In one of the songs, I even give a shout out to Iola,” he said.

He and his wife, Jules, have four children and seven grandchildren.

“One thing that’s enjoyable for us is to see some of them – kids and grandkids – follow our footsteps in the performance arts,” Dall said. “It’s fun to get together with them when we can and play music, dance and sing songs together.”

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