MIBBBFest 2025 recruiting Intergalactic Parade Crew for Des Moines Waterland Parade on Saturday, July 19

MIBBBFest 2025 is recruiting volunteers to participate in the Waterland Parade on July 19 in downtown Des Moines, inviting attendees to don costumes inspired by the Maury Island Incident. The parade will showcase a giant inflatable UFO, providing a whimsical backdrop for participants dressed as aliens, MIB agents, and conspiracy theorists. The event begins at 5 p. m. and is expected to captivate the audience with a humorous retelling of the 1947 UFO encounter.

Organizers emphasize that the parade transcends conventional timekeeping, making the end time flexible. MIBBBFest has established itself as a cornerstone of Des Moines' summer events, combining local culture with elements of sci-fi and history. The festival commemorates one of the earliest UFO reports, which contributed to the "Men in Black" legend. Organizers call for characters including “Colleen Raffertys” and “Sparky the Ghost Dog,” referencing figures tied to the Maury Island legend. “The truth is out there.

So is the parade,” encapsulates the festival's playful spirit.