Harford Fair steps it up for third annual parade

Scranton Edition // Scranton Edition News

August 9, 2009

CINDY G. REYNOLDS For The Times Leader

Northeastern Pennsylvania residents are invited to gather for a blooming good time at the 2009 Harford Fair Parade scheduled for Wednesday, Aug. 19, at 4 p.m. at the fairgrounds.

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A band in full costume performed at last year’s Harford Fair Parade.

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An old-fashioned parade utilizing the theme, “Fairs are in Full Bloom,” will be featured. This is the theme selected by the Pennsylvania State Fair Association for fairs across the state.

The parade was one of the many new events which were a part of the 150th Harford Fair celebration in 2007. Because of the popularity of the parade and the involvement of many groups throughout the area, the fair will host the event again this year.

The parade will begin in the north end of the arena, proceed past the stage, and out the south gate. The procession will turn left at the bingo stand and go up past Floral Hall and the crowds at the Shade Pavilion. The parade will then turn right at Vegetable Hall, turn left at the main gate, go by the new Log Cabin, the 4-H building, and circle up past the livestock barns and disband near the horse barns.

Units will be announced using the brief description, which must be included on the entry blank. Applications are available on the fair’s Web site at www.harfordfair.com, in the fair premium book, or can be requested by contacting the fair office at 434-4300.

The parade provides an opportunity for 4-H group, Scouts, businesses, fair departments, members of the military (active, retired and recruiters), musicians and other entertainers, and family members to participate in and be a part of the fair. Because of insurance regulations, no animals are permitted in the parade.

Participants are welcome to decorate their bicycles, wheelbarrows, tractors, ATVs or small vehicles to use in the parade. They can even turn a wagon into a float, if they want to be creative. However, the fair roads can only accommodate contingents that are less than 8.5 feet.

A cash prize of $75 will be awarded to the winning entry in each of the following categories:

• float best depicting the parade theme

• clown/street entertainer (group or individual)

• marching or performing group (music, dance, etc.)

• vehicle, other than a float

A $100 cash prize will be awarded for each of the following overall Special Awards:

• Prudence Clark Award: best entry depicting fair history

• Fair Directors Award: most entertaining unit in the parade

• “Mooving” Award: best unit representing local agriculture

Criteria for judging will be based on the most successful depiction of the theme, “Fairs are in full bloom.” The artistic, colorful and eye-appealing use of props, people, decoration, period costume, signage, or other creative approaches will be considered by the judges as well.

Interested individuals or groups are encouraged to get involved in this event at the Harford Fair.