Sam Stemm Named Marshal Of 109th Alton Halloween Parade
Selected as parade marshal, Stemm brings decades of radio experience and civic involvement to a Halloween tradition sponsored by the East End Improvement Association.
ALTON — Sam Stemm, a longtime broadcaster and community leader, will lead the 109th Alton Halloween Parade in 2026 as parade marshal, the Alton Halloween Parade committee announced on Tuesday, Sept. 29, 2026.
The committee selected Stemm for his lifetime of leadership and entrepreneurship in the Alton community. The parade will begin at 7 p.m.on Saturday, Oct. 31, 2026, at Broadway and Washington Avenue and follow the same route as in past years.
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Stemm is a past president of the Alton/Godfrey Rotary Club and a Paul Harris Fellow. His community involvement includes projects at Lincoln/Douglas Square, Alton Rotary Park and the Robert Wadlow Statue.
A 1972 graduate of Marquette Catholic High School, Stemm served on its board for 10 years. He also broadcast the school’s football games for 30 years, often alongside former head coach John Rogers as color commentator.
Stemm has been associated with Big Z Media for more than 40 years, serving in roles including sports director, program director, and general manager. He acquired his first ownership stake in 1991 and became president and majority owner in 2004.
Nick and Sheila Darr purchased the controlling stock from Stemm in 2023. He can still be heard on Friday editions of “Let’s Talk.”
The East End Improvement Association has sponsored the Alton Halloween Parade since 1916.
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