40th Annual TRF Parade

What started out looking to be a very bad morning for a parade, cleared up just enough and just in time for the event. When we arrived at 7:45, it was raining lightly - by 8:15 it was a steady downpour. We took refuge in Cindy's Diner and enjoyed some "garbage" while the worst of the storms passed.

Having not brought any umbrellas, Jody decided to make a quick run to Walgreen's before the parade began,, just to play it safe. She returned 15 minutes later with two beach umbrellas which we affixed to our chairs. Sandy Thompson commented on the set up as she walked by later "Looks like you guys were ready for this morning"!

Overall, turnout was extremely light - obviously due to the weather. Up until nearly the start of the parade, there was but a single line of viewers along streets which would normally have several rows of people packed in like sardines. The photo above was taken 30 minutes before the 10 AM start of the parade.

Mike and Bethany Montagano walked the crowds before the parade

"I Like Mike"

The Flintstones pass by

One of the FWPD's new 3-wheel patrols

Local blogger, Mark Carboni, was a grand marshal

Mayor Tom Henry and Sandy Kennedy

Police Chief Rusty York

Wayne Township Trustee Rick Stevenson

Ft.Wayne for Peace - Driven by Bruce Hall

Check out a slideshow of these and more on my Flickr page.

And. . .

Check out the News Sentinel's TRF blog.

Three Rivers Festival Kickoff

Although TRF actually kicked off this evening, we know it's not official until tomorrow morning's parade! As usual, I'll be bringing you photos of that event later in the day.

Special note: Look for Mark Carboni as one of the grand marshalls. . .



If you're joining us downtown tomorrow morning, be sure to arrive early to ensure a good seat - I suggest arriving by 8 AM at the very latest. Here's the parade route (Click picture to view larger), to assist in your seating selection and parking:



We're likely to be found sitting near The Metro Building at West Berry and Harrison. Stop and say "hi" if you see us there! Our pre-parade plans include breakfast at Cindy's Diner; afterwards, we'll venture to food alley and then take in the rides at the carnival at the Coliseum. I think my girls may actually be tall enough to ride most of the attractions there this year! (I'm hoping for company on The Himilaya!).

Click here for complete information on festival activities!