DOOR COUNTY, Wis. (WFRV) - The Jacksonport Thanksgiving Day parade was held the morning of Thanksgiving. Along with joyous celebrations for the holiday season, there was the support of community members for a fellow neighbor. “28 years ago my mom and her friends decided it was a way to break up a day of drinking and eating and watching football, which is important, that we are all so fortunate so we should do something to give back to our community.” Parade organizer, Jorna Taylor mentioned. Each year the parade collects donations that go toward a worthy recipient. This years recipient is Kirk Volkmann. Volkmann, a Door County community member and owner of the Valmy Happy Hour bar and restaurant, who is battling stage 4 kidney cancer. Diagnosed in June 2024, Volkmann has undergone extensive treatments and has been unable to work. “He's a guy who likes to be up moving around constantly working and this has limited him to do that so he's just taking it day-by-day, does what he can and lays low when he has to.” son of Kirk Volkmann, Kyle Volkmann said.  Known as the president of the Door County Tavern League, Volkmann is a devoted father to three children and grandfather to three grandchildren. His family and friends have been touched by the outpouring of support from the community. “We always rally and come together so when a family is going through a difficult time but we are a family in Door County.” Kyle said. What started as a fun way to bring people together on Thanksgiving morning has grown into a beloved tradition, helping local families and individuals through tough times, from serious illnesses to community needs. “It's not about massive tens of thousands of dollars raised but it's coming together to support one of our own. It just demonstrates how tight knit this community is.”Said Taylor. The parade brought together a mix of quirky floats, fire trucks, and classic touches like the Color Guard, with crowds lining the streets to cheer them on. Along the route, Island Fever Rum Bar became a popular spot for people to gather and enjoy the day.