2008 Labor Day Parade a success

LIMA - Quite a few parents lining the Labor Day Parade route with their children on Monday had their own childhood memories of the parade. And with this being the 26th year for the event, there weren't too many spectators who hadn't been to the parade at one time or another.

"My mom brought us. It was something you did," said Jessica Fee, of Lima, who has been attending the parade since she was a child. She was at the parade with her own daughter, Alivia Fee.

For 7-year-old Alivia, like most other children at the parade, it was the candy that was the main attraction. Participants in the parade traditionally throw candy to the crowds of eager children. Alivia and nearly every other child asked about their favorite part of the parade said, "Candy."

Some children, the ones with serious candy collecting in mind, had the foresight to bring grocery bags to haul their loot. Others stuffed candy into every available pocket, including the pockets of their parents.

James Ridenhour, of Lima, had been been going to the parade since he was a child and "now I'm bringing my kids," he said. It was the same for Lima resident Shawn Nutt, whose children gave the parade a "thumbs up."

Monday's weather was good parade weather: sunny and warm. Lawn chairs lined North Main Street near the parade's starting point at Robb Avenue and stretched south toward Town Square and the route's end mark.

At about 10 a.m., antique cars, Shriners, a color guard, union representatives, political candidates, the Fire Department, Boy Scouts and, yes, even an Elvis impersonator made their way down the street. There were miniature cars and mini motorbikes weaving among the larger trucks and marching bands from Lima Senior and Lima Central Catholic high schools. According to the parade's sponsor, the Allied Labor Council, there were about 100 businesses, organizations and clubs represented in the parade.

Vickie Alves, who lives along the parade route on North Main Street, has a guaranteed front-row seat to the parade each year.

"I like it. I like the cars," she said.

She and her family watch the parade from their front lawn each year, except for a few times.

"When it's really cold, we stand inside and [look out] the picture window."

Leanne Kerschner also lives along the parade route and said this year's parade was a good one.

"This was better. There were a lot more Shriners this year [although] I'm suprised there were not more bands. It was well-executed otherwise," she said.

The candy-loving crowd seemed to be satisfied with the event as well. Afterward, children with lollipops in their mouths carried sacks of candy slung across their shoulders. Alivia didn't go away emty-handed, either.

"It's been good. Her pockets are full," Fee said. "I think she's happy."