Everyone loves a parade, and on July 12, the Putnam County Fair Parade will be on full display with its theme, 250 Years of America... the FAIR Way.
This year's event will step off at 1:30 p.m., beginning at the Y on Washington Street and traveling through downtown before ending at Hanna Street.
"We are calling it a hybrid route this year. It blends some of the old to go along with the 250th celebration to go along with some of the new. It is a nice blend and it allows us to experience both of those. I cannot say enough about this committee, who has worked relentlessly to come up with a safe parade route and one that everyone is going to enjoy. We couldn't have asked for a better time than the 250th anniversary to bring it back around. We have over 100 entries already," said My Gilley, Putnam County Fair Parade Committee Chair.
The parade will feature floats, marching bands, community groups, classic cars, tractors, smiling faces, candy and a visit from Indiana University mascot, Hoosier the Bison, all centered around the 250th anniversary of America.
"This year's parade is very historical. When we were searching and going through ideas, this one popped to the front pretty easily. It was nice and easy to tie it into the fair events. We are looking for a wide variety of things to enter. We have some great awards to give out this year. It gives a fair theme, but also allows us to celebrate the 250th anniversary of America that is taking place across the country. It is an awesome opportunity to celebrate as not only a community, but an awesome organization. To reflect and see how fortunate we are to have these types of events that can be attended by the public. It is a fun day out for the family to come out and enjoy bands, floats, and local merchants," Gilley said.
As for what she enjoys about the parade, Gilley said it all the work that goes behind the scenes, making the parade one that festival goers look forward to year after year.
"I enjoy the backside as far as putting together, getting new things for folks to see. We start next year's parade on July 13. It is a year of planning and working through logistics. All the local city offices come together with us and help us plan and adjust, and they are amazing to let us have this event year after year. It is a great kickoff for the fair, and it is one of the best parades in the state of Indiana. We enjoy seeing everyone come out and enjoy the parade. Not everyone gets to experience a parade and enjoy the buildup to the Putnam County Fair," Gilley said.
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