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LUDINGTON — As volunteers prepare to plant more than 32,000 petunias Saturday morning, the Ludington Petunia Parade has launched a capital campaign to raise $75,000 for the purchase of a newer watering truck, citing growing maintenance concerns with the organization’s current vehicle.
The volunteer-led nonprofit organization announced the campaign as it enters its 39th season of maintaining the signature red, white and purple petunias that line Ludington Avenue, the municipal marina and several city gateways each summer.
Planting day for the 2026 Petunia Parade is scheduled for Saturday, May 16, beginning at 8 a.m. Organizers are continuing to seek volunteers and block captains to assist with planting and summer-long weeding efforts.
Approximately 32,000 petunias will be planted Saturday along Ludington Avenue and at the city marina as part of one of Ludington’s longest-running community beautification traditions. Organizers said the effort depends heavily on volunteers to oversee planting blocks, maintain flower beds and assist with seasonal upkeep.
The Petunia Parade board said reliable watering remains essential to the flowers’ survival, making the watering truck the organization’s most critical piece of equipment.
The current truck, a 2004 Ford F-550 purchased in 2016, has accumulated more than 135,000 miles and has required extensive repairs in recent years. Organizers said the truck was out of service for two weeks during a critical growing period in 2025.
“Our family has been involved in the Petunia Parade since 1995,” longtime volunteers Brian and Barb Koblinski said. “We enjoy the camaraderie of the all-volunteer effort and the color it produces, as do our visitors. It’s an amazing part of the city we love. The watering truck is an integral part in making those flowers possible. The plants noticeably suffer when it breaks.”
According to the organization, a replacement truck would improve reliability, reduce repair costs and allow volunteers to focus more on planting, weeding and community outreach rather than emergency maintenance work.
Founded in 1988, the Ludington Petunia Parade operates as a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization supported entirely through donations and volunteer labor. About 150 volunteers contribute thousands of hours annually as board members, watering truck drivers, block captains and seasonal helpers.
Organizers said volunteers are especially needed for weeding efforts along the east end of Ludington Avenue near the hospital and for a new “SWAT” — Safe Weeding Around Town — volunteer group that will assist throughout the summer.
Those interested in volunteering for Saturday’s planting or summer maintenance may contact organizers Mary Lou Ohnsman at 616-866-0374 or Karla Cain at 231-740-3100.
More information about the campaign and volunteer opportunities is available at www.ludingtonpetuniaparade.com.
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