Greater Stillwater Chamber of Commerce Foundation Announces Grand Marshal of 2026 Lumberjack Days

Stillwater, MN - The Greater Stillwater Chamber of Commerce Foundation (Chamber Foundation) will be hosting the Lumberjack Days Parade this year on Sunday, July 19th, 2026, in partnership with the City of Stillwater and the Lumberjack Day’s organizers. The parade is part of the annual, multi-day Lumberjack Days event, held this year on July 17-19, 2026. 

The Chamber Foundation is pleased to announce the 2026 Lumberjack Parade Grand Marshal is Dan Starry, Sheriff of Washington County. Dan Starry has worked for Washington County Sheriff’s Office since 1993 and is honored to be the 30th sheriff in the history of Washington County. The Washington Sheriff’s Office is proud of its long history serving the citizens of Washington County and is proud to have the slogan “Minnesota’s pioneer agency, est. 1840” on the side of their squad cars. 

In his 33-year career with Washington County, Dan has served in numerous roles, including: crime prevention officer, Deputy Sheriff, DARE officer, Explorer advisor, field training officer (FTO), K9 handler with K9 Smokey, Narcotics officer, SWAT team operator, team leader and overall, Commander of the SWAT team, Patrol Sergeant, Special Services Commander, Chief Deputy, and your elected Sheriff. 

Sheriff Starry proudly served on the Board of Directors and past President for the United Way of Washington County East, the Executive Board and past Chair for the North Central High Intensity Drug Trafficking Areas, the Executive Board for Lakes Center for Youth and Family, and Executive Board for the Frontline Foundation. He serves on the leadership committee for Minnesota Toward Zero Deaths (TZD) and is a member of the Minnesota Violent Crime Coordinating Council. He is a member of the National Sheriff’s Association, National Association of Chiefs of Police, International Association of Chiefs of Police, American Jail Association, and proudly served as the 3rd Vice President on the Executive Committee for the Minnesota Sheriff’s Association and past President of the 4th district of the Minnesota Sheriff’s Association. 

Dan and his wife, Jeanice, have been married for 33 years and their family has grown to include three grandchildren. Dan lives by the motto “do the right thing” and has demonstrated this through his career at Washington County through engagement with the community where he continues to build strong relationships with community partners for the benefit of the citizens he proudly serves.

In 2026, Dan Starry will be retiring as Sheriff of Washington County. Recently, at the 2026 Chamber Gala, Sheriff Starry received a Lifetime Achievement Award to recognize his 30+ years of service.

Sheriff Starry will lead the Parade as Grand Marshal. The LumberJack Days Parade will start at 11:00 a.m. 

“We’re honored to be a part of this special tradition and are excited for another year of families, friends and celebrations along the parade route,” said Robin Anothony-Evenson, President of the Greater Stillwater Chamber of Commerce and its Foundation. “With over 100 parade units, it will be a jam-packed day celebrating all things summer in Stillwater,” she continues.

The Chamber Foundation is currently accepting parade unit applications. Information on parade unit applications and sponsorship opportunities can be found on the Chamber’s website. Find more information about Stillwater Lumberjack Days here.