Opening day parade offers fair treats for all

Aug. 14—LIMA — Hundreds of people lined Main Street in downtown Lima Sunday for the procession of marching bands, floats, fire trucks, and political candidate supporters in the annual parade that kicks off the 2022 Allen County Fair.

"The parade allows us to give our community a look at the upcoming fair. It also allows us a chance to show what our youth have been busy working on, from the area school bands to our junior fair exhibitors and more," said parade organizer and Fair Board Director Brock Ackerman.

Tiffanie Brenneman said the parade was "well put together" and that she enjoyed the variety of floats. The five children with her ranged in age from three to seven years old. They most enjoyed the clowns handing out balloon animals and the drums.

"We found about it last minute, came over at 1:30 p.m., and still found a good seat," said Alyssa Thomason. She brought her three children who attend St. Charles Catholic School: P.J., 4; Kinsley, 7; and Addyson, 13. They enjoyed the Lima Senior band as well as the popsicles and candy thrown by parade members into the crowd.

There were over 100 parade entrants this year.

Joining Moorice the cow, the Allen County Fair's mascot, were fair royalty including Miss Ohio Volunteer, Miss Dairy Princess, Rabbit Princess and Queen, Poultry Princess, Goat Queen and Princess, Pork King and Queen, Lamb and Wool Representative, Beef Queen, and the Dairy Beef Queen.

Music was provided by High Octane Drum Line and area high school marching bands like Shawnee High School, Bath High School, Spencerville High School, Lima Senior High School, Allen East High School, Perry and LCC. Joining them were the Bath Youth Cheerleaders.

Other area organizations participating were the Apollo Career Center, Lauer Farms 1944, the breast cancer awareness-themed Amanda's Army, the Downtown Lima Shuttle trolley, and 104.9 The Eagle classic rock radio station.

Political campaign representatives included Tamie Wilson was well as Trump, Lima Municipal Court Magistrate John Payne, and Jim Jordan caravans.

Among the civil services represented were fire departments (Lima, American Township, Lafayette and Perry) and law enforcement (Ohio State Highway Patrol, Allen County Sheriff, Lima City Police, Shawnee Township and Johnny Appleseed Metropolitan Park District Ranger).

Overall, the parade succeeded in Ackerman's goal "to involve the entire community."

Reach Shannon Bohle at 567-242-0399, by email at sbohle@limanews.com or on Twitter @Bohle_LimaNews.