ALL ABOUT SAFETY - Penny Vought, recently retired from her role as the City of Waseca Chief of Police, and Kris Markeson, who now holds the position, are being honored as "Friends of the Marching Classic" for their work ensuring public safety during the Marching Classic parade and events. This year's parade is expected to have 75 to 100 units, and will begin at noon on Saturday in downtown Waseca. Pioneer photo by Deb Bently
Markeson and Vought named "Friends of the Classic"
Thu, 09/18/2025 - 2:50am
Organizers of the thirty-eighth Waseca Marching Classic this Saturday have selected Penny Vought and Kris Markeson, recently retired and current Waseca Chiefs of Police as this year’s “Friends of the Classic.”
The selection, organizers explain, is in gratitude for the “security and safety” Waseca police and police reserves have maintained each year for nearly four decades.
“It’s nice to have our work acknowledged,” stated Vought, who had been with the department for 40 years prior to stepping down late last year. “The Classic is part of who we are here in Waseca, and we’re glad to help out.”
Markeson observed, “We care about our community and the people who visit it, so we’re glad to be part of the Classic’s success every year.”
“Many of our officers have or have had children in marching band, and so they especially don’t mind supporting the event.”
With that said, the two go on to summarize the various steps needed on the department’s part as the parade approaches. “We have to be aware of the date months in advance,” Markeson said, “because part of the route is on a state highway. That means we have to apply with the state to have the road closed. That has to be approved and we have to get verification back.”
About a month beforehand, all city police officers and reserve members are notified they will be working during the parade; a presence of nearly 25 representatives is created. Most are assigned to maintain order and manage any traffic problems at 20 or more intersections along the route. A lead car is placed at the front of the parade lineup to define the route and to call in assistance if any is needed.
The department is not in charge of putting up signs, but does confirm the signs are doing a good job of guiding drivers as they try to navigate closed streets. Any cars parked along the parade route are dealt with, “We try to find the owners and get them to move the cars,” said Markeson. “But we have the authority to have them towed if we need to.”
A role many officers enjoy, Markeson said, is that of “a walking, talking information booth,” able either to answer people’s questions or to help them find the source for those answers.
Speaking of questions, Markeson says the route map for the parade is posted on the police department Facebook page. He mentions the best place for audience members to position themselves is along State Street downtown, since that is where the bands perform their routines.
“It’s a busy day for everybody,” Vought mentions. “We have the extra traffic in town, the closed streets, and the two different events–the parade downtown and the field show at the high school football field. Many people are going in many directions all day long.”
A big difference this year, Markeson points out, is that the usual traffic detour, Second Street Northwest, is closed by construction. “We have a new route figured out,” he says, “and we’ll help people find their way.
“Just be patient, leave some extra time, and use safe driving habits.”