Our History

How Biblesta began

It started with one man on his knees at a prayer meeting, imagining a parade that would focus people on the greatest Book in the world. Humboldt has carried it ever since.

In black and white, a man portraying Jesus drags a wooden cross past rows of seated spectators downtown.
The Biblesta Parade, 2025.

IThe Story

From one prayer to a parade

  1. 1957

    A prayer meeting

    The idea for Biblesta came to Dr. Arthur Carlson in 1957 while attending a cottage prayer meeting. His church was planning a revival meeting, and everyone was praying that the attendance would be good and that many souls would be saved; however, he really did not expect that to happen.

    While on his knees in prayer, he began imagining a parade that would focus people on the greatest Book in the world: the Bible. Right then and there he decided the way to tell others about God was with a Bible Story Parade.

  2. 1958

    The first parade

    In late summer 1958, the Humboldt Chamber of Commerce accepted Carlson’s idea for a Bible-themed parade and asked Carlson to be chairman. Carlson accepted the challenge, and the first Biblesta Parade was deemed a success!

  3. 1959

    A name for the parade

    A contest was held in 1959 to name the event. Vernon Hawver’s entry won. He came up with the name by putting the words “Bible” and “Fiesta” together, and from that time on, the celebration became known as Biblesta.

  4. Today

    Carrying it forward

    Generations later, the community of Humboldt continues to honor God through the Biblesta Parade. It is with pride, as well as humility, that Humboldt dedicates this day to the Lord. We trust that all who view the parade and share the musical programs with us will be strengthened and enriched for having been here.

    What a blessing it is to share God with others!

IIIn His Words

A special mission

Young women carry a white banner bearing the Biblesta emblem, a gold triangle around an open Bible.

I try to be very humble when it comes to the subject of Biblesta, since I believe the idea and inspiration came from God. I believe God was using me and others in Humboldt.

The experience of Biblesta has been the most rewarding and thrilling experience of my life. It is just as thrilling and mysterious as watching one’s child mature into adulthood. By far, the biggest thrill I’ve had from Biblesta has been to watch the new generation of young folks become interested and pick up the torch.

I believe God uses those who are in a position to do His work, if we only listen to Him. The people of Humboldt have been called upon to carry on this special mission.

Dr. Arthur Carlson, Jr.
A giant whale float rolls down the parade route on a wave of blue fringe.

IIIA Parade Favorite

Jonah and the Whale

One of the favorite floats has been “Jonah and the Whale.” Retired from competition, this forty-foot float continues to be one of the most fascinating to parade visitors.

Saturday, October 3, 2026

Be part of the next chapter

Come to the parade, bring your family, or help carry the torch as a volunteer.

See the schedule Get involved