Organizers are slowly piecing together the 2021 Boulder County Fair Parade, which was cancelled last year because of COVID-19 restrictions, but is revving up for a comeback on Saturday, August 7.
The parade starts at Roosevelt Park in Longmont at 10 a.m.
Sponsored by the Longmont Kiwanis Club, the 152nd edition of the parade will include “Color Guard” units that have led the parade in past years. Also Boulder County Fair Board staff, fair royalty and families are already entered, said parade organizer Ken White.
Because of COVID-related health orders, the parade was put on hiatus during the time when entries started signing up, White said in an email. “But now that the parade has been given a positive signal from the authorities, things are beginning to happen, though a bit later than usual,” White said.
So far there are 32 parade entries, White said, which is a small number this close to the parade. Normally, the parade draws between 55 and 70 entries, he said.
The fair parade is the traditional kickoff to the Boulder County Fair which was altered to be mostly on-line in 2020. This year, the fair will be restricted to youth exhibitors to support the area’s 4-H and FFA — Future Farmers of America — youth, according to the fair web page.
“Our focus this year will be on supporting our youth programming, our agriculture heritage and tradition and showcasing the outstanding work of 4-H and FFA youth,” the fair web page states.
The Kiwanis Club has sponsored the fair parade for 60 years. However, Kiwanis Club members are getting older, White said.
“... Volunteers for such things as the parade setup, takedown, water bottle handout to walking parade entrants … are needed from groups other than our Kiwanis Club,” he said. “If there are folks out there who would be willing to assist us, please let us know, and the club will certainly welcome your assistance.”
Wreaths Across America will participate in this year’s parade and also needs volunteers to participate, according to a news release.
“We are looking for volunteers to walk in the parade, ride their motorcycles, ride their horses or drive any cool/vintage cars you may have,” the news release states. We also need banners andother USA-themed decor donated.” Those interested can call Delaney Dreckman, Wreaths Across America location coordinator: Mountain View Cemetery, at 760-458-2603 or delaneydreckman@gmail,com.
Parade entry forms are available at LongmontKiwanis.com or email: [email protected]. Also call 303-810-0639.
