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Rain hampers
turnout but not excitement for annual parade
By Bob Robinson
GREENVILLE – Umbrellas and smiles were everywhere as young and old
anticipated the start of the parade for the 50th Annual Annie Oakley
Days Festival.
There were a few exceptions. 8 a.m…
“Hey it’s raining sheets here… is there still going to be a parade?”
Yes. The parade will go on as scheduled.
A volunteer commented: “Rain? If the kids have to be here – like
they’re on a float or something – they’ll show up. If they’re only
volunteering, they have an excuse. It’s raining.”
By the time the parade started the weather had changed to an occasional
drizzle with cool temperatures.
“This is great! Much better than 90 or 95 degrees under a hot sun.”
The turnout seemed to be down from previous years, but the excitement
was up. Boys and girls, moms and dads, grandmas and grandpas were
hunkered down with rain gear or umbrellas but were all smiles as they
waited for the first sight of the Greenville Police, Darke County
Sheriff and the American Flag Color Guard on the horizon.
KitchenAid was doing a booming business… inside. The boxes under the
tent on the sidewalk hadn’t yet been uncovered. Other businesses were
putting up protective coverings getting ready for the traffic that will
start appearing as soon as the parade was over and the weather cleared
up.
Two members of the Greenville High School Key Club, Rebecca Braun and
Sarah Herzog, carried the lead-off banner of the Annie Oakley Parade.
Carrying another banner for a winning float entry were Jenilee and Anna
Braun.
Greenville Schools had multiple floats in the parade. All supported the
district motto “Strong Schools Strong Community.” Each had its own
contingent of students aboard.
Some of the kids were excited. Some of them exuberant! Most were
yelling and waving. Band members seemed to enjoy being there and had
smiles for those watching, as did most of the others on the floats,
young and old.
“This is going to be fun,” said a young boy as he explained a friend of
his was going to be on one of the floats. When asked why he wasn’t, he
shrugged his shoulders. “I dunno,” he said.
Another boy was walking down the street just prior to the parade
starting. He had four balloons in his hands.
“People keep giving them to me,” he said, grinning.
The Annie Oakley Parade wasn’t the only tradition taking place in
downtown Greenville on July 27. The fountain at the circle was once
again getting a sudsy bath.
Tradition was alive and well in Downtown Greenville, Ohio.
Watch for a complete photo gallery coming soon at Community Events
Photos under the Community Tab.
Published courtesy
of The Early Bird
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