2026 Grand Marshal Rick Clary

After graduating from the University of Illinois, Rick began his career in banking beginning in 1984. He served as President of UnionBank, Ladd Bank and Vice-President of Central Trust & Savings Bank in Geneseo. Most recently, Rick was Central Bank President from 2005 until his retirement in 2024.

Rick resides in Princeton with his wife Robin. They raised two sons in Princeton and are now raising their families in Princeton as well. Rick and Robin have five grandchildren.

Over the years, Rick has served as a board member in varying capacities such as President, Vice President, Secretary and member for: the OSF Community Advisory Board, Perry Memorial Hospital, Main Street Princeton, Perry Memorial Hospital Foundation, In Home Care VNA, Green River Community Fund Foundation, Princeton Schools Foundation, St. Margaret’s Hospital, Geneseo Chamber of Commerce, Geneseo Country Club, and Henry 4-H Foundation. He served as co-chair for the Bureau County Homestead Festival for over 15 years and was on the Retail Development Committee for the Princeton Chamber of Commerce. Rick was the fund drive chairman for the Bureau County Unity Way and was a member of the Princeton Booster Club, a volunteer scorekeeper for Princeton High School and served on a City of Princeton Ad Hoc committee for a sports complex. Rick worked on a conference committee for the Illinois Bankers Association, was President of the Ladd Business Association, and Chairman for the Section 3 FFA Foundation. He was an advocate for women in business and received awards for his efforts from the Small Business Association and Governor’s Small Business Summit.

Rick has also volunteered his time to coach basketball, baseball and soccer for many years.

The Steering Committee thanks Rick for his service, leadership, and lasting impact he has had in our county and invites the public to celebrate Rick during the 2026 Homestead Festival Parade and throughout the weekend’s events. We look forward to celebrating together as a community and honoring this historic milestone in our nation’s history.