Grand Marshal Selected for Pioneer Days

DAVENPORT - The local middle and high schools' band teacher has been chosen as the 2024 Pioneer Days Grand Marshal.

Robert Harper, 63, of Davenport, will take to the Grand Parade at 11 a.m. on Saturday, July 20.

Harper plans to be joined by his wife on the day, Christine "Chris" Harper.

The couple married in 1984.

Robert and Chris moved to Davenport in 1986.

"I wanted to move to a larger school with more programs and music opportunities. The Davenport job opened up and I applied," he said. "When the Davenport job opened up, my wife asked me to apply for that one."

Robert and Chris welcomed two children after their move to Davenport. Their firstborn, Ashley Schenk, lives close by in Harrington with her husband, Levi Schenk.

Their son, Grant Harper, still lives in Davenport and is expected to watch his parents cruise through town.

"Pioneer days is a lot of fun and I hope people can come and enjoy it. See if they can handle the heat," Robert said.

Before taking over the job in Davenport, Robert participated in the Olympic Youth Symphony. He went to Scotland to perform in 1980.

Robert graduated from Eastern Washington University and began his first music teaching job at Hunters in 1983. Robert has also worked for Cheney Junior High School, Farris High School and Davenport Elementary School.

Most visitors and locals will see him in the parade yearly with the High school band.

"They are pretty good kids. I have some good leaders who can handle it without me," he said.

Robert recalls some of his favorite parts of Pioneer Days, including seeing people, the Lions Club luncheon in the park and the parade.

"As a band guy, you gotta love a parade. All of it is kind of cool and fun," he said. "I know many important community members have been marshals in the past and I am honored to be considered."