The Northeast Minneapolis community is full of good-hearted and civically involved residents and business leaders who contribute to our quality of life.

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The 2026 Grand Marshall and Community Ambassadors have been announced!

 

Grand Marshall

Christine Levens, along with her family and friends, will serve as the 2026 Celebrate NE Parade Grand Marshal, honoring her nearly 20 years of dedication to Northeast Minneapolis. As a leader with the Minneapolis Downtown Chamber, Christine has been a steadfast advocate, connector, and champion for the area. Even when formal chamber boundaries shifted, she fought to ensure Northeast maintained its voice, visibility, and vital connections to the broader city.

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Recognizing Northeast not just as a neighborhood, but as an essential piece of Minneapolis’ economic and cultural fabric, Christine worked tirelessly to preserve critical relationships for local businesses, artists, and residents. Her leadership bridged communities with integrity, warmth, and determination.

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Christine’s two decades of service reflect a deep personal commitment to inclusion, advocacy, and civic pride. She truly embodies the spirit of a Grand Marshal through her unwavering belief that every part of Minneapolis deserves recognition and respect.

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Community Ambassador

This year, the Celebrate NE Parade is proud to honor a vital group of neighbors as our 2026 Community Ambassadors. These individuals represent the very best of Northeast Minneapolis—the people who quietly and selflessly stepped up to support our community during Operation Metro Surge.

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When our neighborhood faced uncertainty, these ambassadors didn't wait for instructions; they simply looked out for their neighbors. They are the ones who organized and delivered groceries to families staying indoors, ensuring no one went hungry. They are the volunteers who walked our blocks to ensure our streets were safe to pass. They are the parents and friends who rearranged their schedules to pick up neighborhood kids for school, providing stability and a safe ride when it was needed most.

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This effort succeeded due to individuals like Alyssa Winter, who shared her unique skills to empower others during training sessions multiple times a week during the height of Operation Metro Surge—and who continues to lead others in broader community organization today.
Our 2026 Community Ambassadors reminded us that in times of disruption, we get through by leaning on one another.

Do you know an everyday hero who should join Alyssa in leading the way down the parade route? Email NEMplsParade@gmail.com to nominate them!​

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Business Ambassador

Recovery Bike Shop is named the 2026 Celebrate NE Parade Business Ambassador. Since moving to Northeast Minneapolis in 2011, Recovery has become a cornerstone of community, equity, and sustainability.

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True to its green mission, the shop processes over 5,000 bikes annually—rebuilding used bicycles from the ground up for the streets of Minneapolis and as far away as Africa. Beyond sustainability, Recovery is deeply invested in the community fabric. They actively champion local engagement through "Eyes on the Street," a weekly group that activates Central Avenue to promote a safe, neighborly presence.

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Recovery also hosts weekly rides, free anti-fascist yoga, and empowerment-themed events designed to teach biking and explore community strengths. Recently, they successfully led efforts to purchase and preserve the historic John Cook House at 18th and Tyler, cementing their legacy as a dedicated champion of Northeast Minneapolis.

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