Parade Grand Marshals lean on each other

NEW LONDON – The Shamrock Club of New Dublin’s 2025 Parade Grand Marshals are two peas in a pod.
New London Area Chamber of Commerce Executive Director April Kopitzke and New London City Administrator Chad Hoerth work together year-round on numerous economic development efforts for the city of New Dublin.
“We’re constantly in discussions, networking with business leaders, brainstorming ideas to attract new businesses, and identifying available properties for entrepreneurs looking to start something new,” said Hoerth.
“Even though the Chamber is not technically a city department, the New London Area Chamber of Commerce, led by April, India, and Sofia, is half of our city’s “Economic Development” team. It’s great to highlight their importance and celebrate the successes of our strong Chamber,” he said.
Kopitzke, a New London native and graduate of the New London High School class of 1998, returned to her hometown to pursue her professional career. She celebrated eight years as Executive Director of the Chamber in February.

Hoerth graduated from Chilton High School in 1994. He attended UW-Lacrosse where he earned two bachelor’s degrees related to Sports Management, Fitness and Business.
He served a year in the Recreation and Sports Department at the University of Notre Dame before returning home and landing a job as City of Brillion Director of Parks and Recreation/Facilities.
In 2007, he accepted the job in New London as Director of Parks and Recreation and Facilities. Since he has served multiple roles within the city of New London.
By 2020 he had advanced to the role of city administrator.
He and April have worked diligently to recruit new businesses and development in New London as evidenced by the current downtown riverfront development under construction on the south side of the Wolf River.
Hoerth says, “New London hits that sweet spot—it provides a wide variety of city services, has a good commercial and retail presence, offers a plethora of recreational opportunities and has a great school district. All while maintaining a rural hometown feel.”
Hoerth grew up on a farm in the country and he appreciates the rural setting New London has to offer while still being a medium sized city.

Parade memories
From a young age, April can remember the St. Pat’s parades in New London.
“I loved the crowds and how happy everyone seemed during the week of St. Patrick’s Day,” she said.

“We used to live on Shawano Street so it was always fun to wake up and see all the cars start filling the streets. We would walk to and from the parade which was nice and convenient.”
April says as far as she knows she’s not Irish, but during this special week, she at least enjoys pretending to be Irish.
She married her sweetheart (since 1999) Adam and they began their own family 14 years ago when they were married.
“We have many memories celebrating St. Pat’s together,” she said.
They’ve been bringing their son Jameson to the parade since he was a baby.
“We love showing him all the special things that we remembered growing up with. The big one for him was seeing the ‘wheel guy’ for the first time. He also loves the little round scooter guys that race around,” said April.
This year’s parade features around 100 entries with a first time appearance slated for the Milwaukee Dancing Grannies, along with favorites like the Echoes of Camp Randal and numerous bagpipe and drum bands.
Since starting at the Chamber of Commerce April says she has a newfound respect for the Shamrock Club of New Dublin.
“I had no idea the entire event was facilitated by a group of passionate volunteers. The amount of time, effort, energy and heart they put in is unbelievable,” she said.
“People don’t realize all the behind the scenes work and planning that takes place. I also didn’t realize how strategic the entire week is planned out and how much they incorporate family-friendly options until I started working with the Chamber.”
Chad’s first St. Pat’s parade experience came a bit later in life than April’s.
“I will remember my first New London St. Patrick’s parade for the rest of my life,” said Chad.
It was 2008 and he was helping NL public access channel producer Dick Johnson record the parade. Johnson was behind him recording from the dignitary booth and Chad was on the street level with a camera.
Finnegan’s Wake rolled up and Chad had no prior knowledge of the float’s usual skit.
“That year the car died right in front of me. The hood flew open and people started yankin wires out of the engine. I’m thinking ‘what the heck is going on?’ They slammed the hood shut and one actor stood on the side of the car with his hand on it. All of a sudden the car started, bolted forward, and all heck broke loose.
The actor went flying toward me, rolled on the ground and slammed into my tripod—yep I was sucked in,” said Hoerth.
“Thinking he had actually been hit by the car, I bent down and seriously asked if he was okay.
He got up, shook his head and ran off,” said Hoerth.
When he turned around and looked at Dick, Johnson was laughing so hard he nearly fell off the booth.
Chad and his family have enjoyed many years of the parade since, only now a bit wiser.
He has spent many of those years helping to film the event for the city, while his wife Julie and children Samantha and Nora watch as spectators.
Neither Chad nor April has ever had the opportunity to see the parade from the inside, as they will this year, riding through the route as dignitaries.
“It’s truly an honor,” said Chad.
He feels humble for being recognized.
“If the Grand Marshal car were big enough I’d love to have our entire city staff on board to show that it’s truly a team of people making New London great,” said Chad.
April agreed.
She said she was honored and touched when she received the call informing her she was named one of this year’s Grand Marshals.
She thanked the Shamrock Club of New Dublin for creating the event 41 years ago, and for putting in the time and effort to help so many people over the years.
“Your hard work does not go unnoticed and we deeply appreciate what you are doing to keep this incredible event going,” she said.
“Thank you!”