The City of Minneapolis is bringing a cavalcade of wheels to Nicollet Mall for the first-ever “Minneapolis Moves: The Big Honking Truck Parade” on July 31. The parade is a fun way to fill downtown Minneapolis with families of all ages as part of the City’s ongoing effort to bring renewed energy to the city center.

“From fire engines to snowplows, residents of all ages know that Minneapolis is the best trucking city ever!” said Mayor Jacob Frey. "So we thought, 'Why not bring them all together for a big parade downtown?' It’s a fun way for families to connect with the people and equipment that keeps our city trucking. And it’s one more way we're bringing Nicollet Mall to life."

Originating from Mayor Frey’s Downtown Action Plan, the parade features City of Minneapolis cars, police and fire trucks, plus construction vehicles, semi-trailers and more from local businesses and operators. The municipal motorcade starts around 5:30 p.m. at East Grant Street, travels down Nicollet Mall and ends at South Sixth Street. All vehicles will then stage at the end of route until 8 p.m. for photos.

Serving as grand marshals are the Wolf brothers -- eight-year-old Felix and 11-year-old Henry (pictured above). Their family enjoyed the trucks and cars during this spring’s Doors Open so much that they wrote to City leaders expressing their appreciation for all things on wheels.

"We’re a family that loves to learn, explore and tinker,” said Amanda Nix, Felix and Henry’s mother. “The boys, especially Felix, have always been fascinated with how all the specialized trucks operate and how they do the work for the City. They’re thrilled to lead this parade, which is sure to be a highlight of the summer for our family.”

While the parade is the highlight of the night, the other “driving” force on the Mall is Mich’s Makers’ Market. From 4 p.m. to 8 p.m., Nicollet Mall will host more than 30 local businesses for an evening market experience. Visitors can shop local, homemade wares and grab food from the various Twin Cities-based booths. The Lofton Hotel is even crafting four special flavors of homemade ice cream for the occasion, including “Street Sweeper S’mores” and “Ladder Up Lemon & Tangerine Sorbet.”

“This is a fun night to bring the family downtown to celebrate all things Minneapolis – from the sights and sounds of the parade, to the delicious food and hometown gifts,” said Lisa Goodman, director of strategic initiatives for the City of Minneapolis. “Anytime we can be in community together on Mall is a great time. We’re ‘gearing’ up for a great night in the City of Lakes.”