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The Logan County Bicentennial Parade begins at 2:30 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 30.
There has been some confusion about the start time as it was different on the original Sept. 9 parade date, which was changed because of inclement weather.
Bicentennial parade to proceed rain or shine
Barring all but the worst possible weather scenarios, the Logan County Bicentennial parade will make its way through Bellefontaine as planned on Sunday afternoon, organizers said Tuesday.
The parade, which was postponed from an earlier date because of inclement weather, is scheduled to leave the Logan County Fairgrounds at 2:30 p.m. Sunday and make its way into downtown to join a celebration that begins at noon.
“I’ve had my eyes glued to The Weather Channel for three weeks and it’s down to a 10 to 20 percent chance of rain,” parade organizer Samantha Jackson said. “Whether it rains or not, the parade will go on, but we’re hoping for a mostly sunny Sunday.”
The focal point of the parade will be along east Columbus Avenue where three sets of bleachers will be stationed for spectators to watch the passage of the 170-plus registered entries and listen to music by a disc jockey as the parade approaches.
“The response I’ve had from people has been overwhelming,” Jackson said, noting that 30 more participants can still register for the parade to bring the total number up to 200. “People are really excited for this.”
Once downtown, the parade will stop at the courtyard where Logan County Commissioners and the Bellefontaine Mayor will offer introductory remarks and a law enforcement color guard will post the colors to the singing of the National Anthem.
As the parade progresses, marching bands from all the area high schools will pause to play a short piece at the courthouse and other local music and dance groups also will offer brief performances.
Pickup and loading for the bands will be in the parking lot behind the Holland Theatre while other parade units will be diverted south or east — although northbound traffic on Madriver Street will be maintained through the traffic light.
While the parade will take place regardless, the downtown festivities could be dampened by rain, organizers said.
It may not be possible to put up the inflatables and other games if it is raining, Jackson said during the Tuesday afternoon meeting, noting that a decision will be made on the day of the parade.
There are also several old-fashioned games and a tug-of-war contest.
Eight to 10 food trucks and several vendors will be stationed throughout downtown, but primarily along west Columbus Avenue and north Main Street.
Several historic buildings will also be open to the public as part of a self-guided walking tour, Logan County History Center Curator Todd McCormick said.
Festivities will continue into the evening after the parade concludes Sunday evening.
Anyone interested in assisting as a volunteer ambassador for the downtown celebration is invited to arrive between 10 a.m. and noon Sunday as setup for the event is under way.
OPEN DOORS LOCATIONS
In conjunction with the Logan County Bicentennial Celebration this weekend, the following locations will be open for free tours from noon to 2:30 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 30:
• First Christian Church, 215 E. Sandusky Ave.
• First United Methodist Church, 201 N. Main St.
• First United Presbyterian Church, 117 N. Main St.
• First Lutheran Church, 208 W. Sandusky Ave.
• MacGillivrary Law offices (home of Judge William Lawrence) 325 N. Main St.
• Loft above Native Coffee Co., 200 W. Columbus Ave.
• Old Mint Antiques second floor, 135 W. Columbus Ave.
• Holland Theatre, 127 E. Columbus Ave.
• Logan County History Center, 521 E Columbus Ave.