Members of the Allen County Sharpshooters 4-H Club were excited about participating in the 2021 Allen County Fair parade.
LIMA —The Allen County Fair is expecting around 5,000 to 6,000 people to come out to view this year’s fair parade featuring around 100 participants this Sunday.
The parade, which starts at 2 p.m., will go down Main St. from Northland Plaza in Lima, displaying floats to the crowds lining the sidewalks
“There are a lot of the same traditional floats that we’ve had in the past with some additions and some new ones,” Promotions and Operations Manager of the fair Troy Elwer said. “We’ll have everything from different local bands in the Allen County community to fair royalty and political parties represented, as well as some of our local veterans advertising some other events we’ll be having throughout the year here at the Fairgrounds. And I believe we’re going to wrap the parade up with Santa Claus for the kids to enjoy.”
Elwer said that there are a number of things he is looking forward to with this year’s parade, but that one thing will stand out: community support.
“What I’m looking forward to most is the community coming together and supporting us always overwhelmingly,” he said. “This event is a great showcase and kickoff to the start of the fair week. And that’s really what we here at the fairgrounds look forward to most, seeing all of the excited people at this time of year.”
Elwer added that even though this is a family event, families should make sure that children are standing far back enough from the course of the caravan.
“I encourage people to err on the side of caution,” he said. “If they are bringing out their kiddos, I would say to make sure they are standing far back enough to where they don’t obstruct the parade coming through because we want this to be safe and enjoyable for everybody.”
However, there will be plenty of excitement and fun to go along with the appearance of Santa for children in attendance.
“I advise the general public, if they’re looking to watch the parade that they try to get chairs down early along Main Street because it does tend to fill up pretty quickly,” Elwer said. “And make sure the kids are bringing their baggies because there will be lots of candy and different cool items being passed out throughout the event.”
Elwer was grateful to the participants, the community and the sponsors for helping make the event possible.
“It is a big logistic in itself to get everything organized and ready to roll, so I’m very thankful for all their support,” he said.
The parade will end at Spring Street.
The Allen County Fair runs from Aug. 18 through 26 at the Allen County Fairgrounds. For more information, visit the Allen County Fair website.
Reach Jacob Espinosa at 567-242-0399.
