The Third of July Parade committee has selected lakes advocate Laura Lunde as the grand marshal for this year’s parade.

Lunde, a 2000 graduate of Albert Lea High School, is the president of the Lakes Foundation of Albert Lea and a regional sales executive for Manpower.

She headed up the effort this legislative session to renew Albert Lea’s half-cent local option sales tax for lakes projects and was part of a coalition of community members who rallied at the Capitol for $7.5 million in state bonding funding to dredge Fountain Lake.

“The committee thought that based on the impact she’s had on the community in the last few years, and the bonding money just received, it seemed like a perfect fit,” said Chamber Executive Director Randy Kehr.

A news release described her as a “tireless advocate,” who became passionate about the lakes after participating in an annual lakes cleanup day. In 2008, she, along with others, revitalized the Lakes Foundation.

Lunde, 32, said she was shocked when she was told she was selected for the position.

“I’m very honored to have a recognition for something that has been a piece of my heart for the last few years we’ve been working on it,” she said. “It’s been an amazing year of progress and determination and driving the momentum forward.”

She said she is looking forward to seeing the parade in a new light this year.

In addition to her job at Manpower, Lunde makes her own jewelry under the name Lovely’s by Laura.

The Third of July Parade begins at 6 p.m. and this year will have the theme “Only in America.” The parade will begin at the Freeborn County Fairgrounds and proceed South on Bridge Avenue, turn west onto Fountain Street, turn south on St. Mary Avenue and end at Central Park.

In case of rain, visit the Tribune’s website for any potential changes.