It’s been a couple of years since I’ve been in town for the Kiddie Parade, so I was glad to be able to attend this year’s event. The firefighters changed the route this year from the village streets to the carnival grounds, “due to concerns regarding the length of the parade and safety issues with the parade occurring on the roads.” I was somewhat disappointed with that change, because I think it reduced the audience (and the candy-throwing, which kids love to do) and perhaps even the number of participants.
So this year, the costume parade began at the carnival’s beer tent, and took three laps through the grounds, led by an eclectic and always entertaining marching band (don’t know their name, unfortunately). I took a bunch of photos, and I apologize if there are duplicates of many of the kids because I didn’t want to miss anyone.
They’re all in this gallery.
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(posted 7/14/2024)
webster on the web 
Even THIS is not like what it was awhile ago. I remember lots of kids participated, meeting at the corner school walking around the side streets in parade like atmosphere. Neighbors who we didn’t know came out to watch. People in the town knew when & where it was, so traffic was as a courtesy; gone. Just walking using the traffic light with police crossing guard and having a police or fire truck lead the way was “hometown”. It ended at the parade ground & the kids were the main attraction. Prizes were handed out; free rides, concession food, or business gift certificates.
So today kids can’t walk or stay in a wagon long enough to participate. Their costumes weren’t noticed as much as the commotion; the lights, the rides, barkers saying step right up, and the crowds not looking at them. Sad. Next year have it at the school and block the one road down to the parade ground. Make a grand entrance with them. Make it memorable for all.