In celebration of Women’s Equality Day 2024, the League of Women Voters of Door County is hosting its fifth annual car parade Monday, August 26, in Sturgeon Bay, starting with the noon tolling of the bell tower on 3rd Avenue. Door County’s Equality Day Car Parade begins with cars lining up at 3rd Avenue and Jefferson Street and follows an approximately 1.5-mile route down 3rd Avenue, across the Steel Bridge, up Madison Street and around, to finally cross over the Oregon Street Bridge.

Cars then proceed to Martin Park for an all-ages celebration including a public reading of the 19th Amendment, musical entertainment by Cathy Grier + the Troublemaker Women, treats, and prizes for the best decorated cars.

Along with celebrating the landmark law guaranteeing a woman’s right to vote 104 years ago, LWVDC plans to highlight other milestones toward women’s equality, both nationally and right here in Door County, according to Heidi Ling, LWVDC secretary and car parade organizer. “I am really proud of the fact that Wisconsin was the first state to ratify the 19th Amendment on June 10,
1919. Women’s fight for equality didn’t stop with the 19th Amendment, however. There was much done
in the decades following to help women advance and there is still much to do,” Ling said.

Passage of the Voting Right Act of 1965 resulted in significant steps to advance the voting rights of women of color, and additional provisions in Voting Rights Act of 1975 applied to women who spoke Native languages. Today, the League of Women Voters continues its work to protect and expand voting rights across the U.S.

“Little known fact, until as recently as the passage of the Equal Credit Opportunity Act in 1974, women were not able to open bank accounts, apply for credit, or commit to mortgages without a male cosigner.” Ling said. “Our event celebrates this and many other accomplishments. It’ll also be a chance to listen to some really great blues music and see colorfully decorated cars,” Ling said.

League of Women Voters of Door County hosts the annual car parade to remind everyone of the tireless work of suffragists and supporters. Anyone can join the procession by decorating their cars or, as was popular in the original 1920 car parades, by honking their horns. Costumes are encouraged. The public can also just attend the Martin Park celebration.

“Come dressed as your favorite suffragist, women’s rights advocate or come just as you are. All are welcome and the more the merrier,” Ling added. 

Preregistration is not required. Parade guidelines and more information are available at lwvdoorcounty.org.

To keep a celebratory and festive tone, LWVDC asks participants to refrain from displaying partisan or campaign signage and campaigning at the parade and park event.