By Polly Keary, Editor
The Monroe Fair Days Parade was back to the size of its best years, and some new features were very successful, making the whole event a great success, said Annique Bennett, director of the Chamber of Commerce, the organization that coordinates the annual event.
There were more than 90 entries in the parade, up from about 50 the year before and nearly back to the high of 100 several years ago.
The audience was enormous, too, with the crowd estimated at about 8,000 people.
"Parade officials noted spectators up to eight rows deep in many areas along the nearly one mile-long route and received glowing feedback from the participants and community about the attendance and performances this year," said Bennett in a press release.
There were new bleachers on the lawn outside Frank Wagner Auditorium, which was the new location for the judges' stand and for "Parade Central," a place for pre-parade entertainment, and for vendors.
The bleachers were full, and judges danced in the street with members of the Emerald City Athletic club before the parade to music provided by JD Jerry "Big Dog" Dickson.
The vendors, including food trucks, businesses and non-profits, were pleased with the event.
"Adrian Taylor with Kiwanis wasn't sure about being moved from his traditional spot up the route, but said kettle corn sales were outstanding and he would return to this spot gladly next year," said Bennett.
Much of the success of the parade can be attributed to the volunteers who made it happen, said Bennett.
"We worked our staff and volunteers to the bone this year getting ready for the parade," she said. "We wanted it to reflect the true heart of the Monroe community, and it really did.GÇ¥
The event concluded with an awards ceremony held at Wagner Center to recognize the following participants:
Under 13 Performance:
Monroe Bearcat Mini Cheer
Specialty Performance:-á
1st Place: Master Ji Taekwondo
2nd Place: Sky Valley Academy Gymnastics Team
High School Marching Band:-á
1st Place: Monroe High School
Novelty Entry:-á
1st Place: Sea Fair Pirates
2nd Place: Pirates of Treasure Island
3rd Place: Sky Valley Antique Tractor Club
Drill Team:-á
1st Place: Gunslingers Drill Team
2nd Place: Burien Eagles Drill Team
3rd Place: Ballard Eagles Drill Team
Dance and Cheer:-á
1st Place: Sky Valley Academy
2nd Place: Platinum Dance Center
3rd Place: Stanza Performing Arts Company
Equestrian Performance:-á
1st Place: Ixtapa Dancing Horses
2nd Place: Colors of Hawaii
3rd Place: Aquafest Royalty
Best Vehicle:
1st Place: Washington State Eagles Youth King and Queen
Tied for 2nd: Snohomish County PUD 1936 Service Truck and Ms. Sky Valley Royalty
3rd Place: Taylor Tracy-1966 Dodge Dart
Best Float:-á
1st Place: Providence Medical Group GÇô Medical Building Monroe
2nd Place: Regency Care Center at Monroe
3rd Place: Merrill Gardens
Honorable Mention to Marysville Strawberry Festival
Fair Days Parade Committee Award
Sergeant Derrel Johnson and Sergeant Brian Johnston
Fair Days Parade Friend of the Chamber Award
Sultan-Monroe Masonic Lodge 160
Comments
Use the comment form below to begin a discussion about this content.
Sign in to comment