Trepanier to serve as Oconto Copperfest Parade grand marshal

OCONTO – Pat Trepanier, a lifelong resident and dedicated community leader, has been named the Grand Marshal for the 2026 Oconto Copperfest Parade. The parade, themed “Happy Birthday America, Celebrating 250 Years,” will take place on Saturday, June 13.

Trepanier has lived in Oconto for 67 years and is a 1977 graduate of Oconto High School. He and his wife, Julie, have been married for 42 years. They have three children — Diane, Alex (Courtney) and Paula — and three grandchildren, Rue, Renn and Amara.

Trepanier has been a member of the Oconto Lions Club for 16 years, where he earned several “Lion of the Year” honors. He is also a 36-year lifetime member of the Oconto Elks Lodge, having served as Deputy Exalted Ruler multiple times and as District Deputy to the Grand Exalted Ruler for one term. He has also received numerous “Elk of the Year” awards.

Additionally, Trepanier has served on the Oconto Police and Fire Commission and the Industrial Development Committee. His leadership extends to local events, including three years as chairman of Waterfest and eight years as chairman of the Airport Fly-In.

His contributions to local youth and sports include coaching baseball, football, and basketball for many years. He served as the head cook for Oconto Little League baseball tournaments for approximately 30 years and was instrumental in bringing the Masters Walleye Circuit to the city.

According to Trepanier, living in Oconto is all about “the low pressure of a small town vs. the big cities [and] friendly people with life-long relationships.”

He added that he is honored to be this year’s grand marshal and said Copperfest has been an important community event in Oconto’s history for many years and he is proud to be a part of it. He also thanked those that nominated him.

The 2026 Copperfest festivities begin with the kick-off banquet and coronation of the Copperfest Queen on Thursday, June 11, at 6:30 p.m. at the Oconto Elks Lodge. The event will honor Trepanier and feature special guest Willow Newell, Miss Wisconsin 2025.

Reservations for the banquet are $20 per person and must be made by June 8 by calling (920) 835-2647. All past Copperfest grand marshals, queens and current candidates are encouraged to attend.