Alexandria, Minnesota

Always the last Sunday
in June

Joe Korkowski named Grand Marshal of 2026 Vikingland Band Festival

ALEXANDRIA, MN (May 18, 2026) — The Vikingland Band Festival committee is proud to announce that Joe Korkowski — well-known media personality and enthusiastic ambassador for all things Alexandria — has been named grand marshal of the 42nd Annual Vikingland Band Festival, to be held Sunday, June 28.

Korkowski was selected for the honor because of his longtime volunteer spirit and positive impact on a wide range of community organizations and events.

Festival co-founder Ken Martinson said, "Joe could easily be called 'Mr. Alexandria' because he brings positive energy wherever he goes — whether it's the Jingle Bells telethon, the Andria Theatre stage, the baseball field or the Vikingland Band Festival. We strive to recognize people who have made meaningful contributions to music, youth or the community, and Joe has made an impact in all three areas."

A native of Brandon, Minnesota, Korkowski developed his love of music by listening to the radio, playing drum set in the attic and marching tenor drums in his high school band.

His connection to the Vikingland Band Festival began in the 1990s while covering the event as a reporter for KSAX-TV. He later joined KCCO-TV, where he worked behind the scenes on the parade broadcast before eventually becoming an on-air host alongside WCCO personalities including Cathy Wurzer, Don Shelby and Amelia Santaniello.

During his 19 years at KXRA Radio, Korkowski continued to promote and cover the parade on-air. Later, while working with Explore Alexandria Tourism, he once again championed the Festival and the Alexandria community throughout the Upper Midwest. He served numerous times as emcee for the Festival awards ceremony and the former drum and bugle corps competitions.

Korkowski has also played a major role in the annual Jingle Bells telethon and is serving as president of the Jingle Bells Foundation for the second time. He's a former president of the Downtown Merchants Association, and is currently communications coordinator at The Church of St. Mary. In addition, he coaches ninth-grade baseball for Alexandria Public Schools. Earlier this year, he delivered a scene-stealing performance in the Andria Theatre production of "Noises Off."

Korkowski said, "The Vikingland Band Festival is such a great day every year to celebrate kids, music, community and our beautiful downtown."

He and his wife, Sue, have three adult daughters and two granddaughters, all of whom, he notes, absolutely love music.

As grand marshal, Korkowski will lead the Vikingland Band Festival parade on Broadway beginning at 1:30 p.m. on Sunday, June 28. This year's lineup features 19 marching units — the Festival's largest lineup since 2019.

For more information and updates visit VikinglandBandFestival.com and follow the Vikingland Band Festival on Facebook.