(Chelsea Update would like to thank Sam Vogel for the information in this story.)
It’s time to start getting your decorations together for your child’s bike and a costume for your child because the annual Children’s Fair Parade is exactly one week away.
Organized and sponsored by the Chelsea Kiwanis Club and the Chelsea High School Key Club, the kiddie parade takes place on Tuesday, Aug. 25. Participants assemble in the parking lot behind The Common Grill.
Bikes and children’s costumes are judged at 5 p.m., so be sure to get there by 4:45 with your child. The parade steps off promptly at 5:30 p.m.
Although the children’s parade was cancelled last year because of bad weather, it’s been a tradition for decades.
The parade is open to all children, ages 3–12 years, who will ride and walk from downtown Chelsea to the fairgrounds. Many kids decorate their bikes and haul decorated wagons or dress up as characters for the parade. When the kids enter the fair through the lower gate, games and other activities await their arrival in the Main Arena.
The parade will proceed west on West Middle Street to Grant Street where the parade will turn left. From there, the group will proceed to Pierce Street and turn right on Taylor Street. The parade will cross Old US-12 and proceed down Chelsea-Manchester Road to the lower gate and into the fairgrounds.
The lower gate is used to alleviate some of the crowds that form at the front gate.
Parents can meet children and pick them up in the shopping center lot. It is important for safety that kids clear Chelsea-Manchester Road as soon as possible as the police will only close it for the arrival of the parade.
The 2014 Fair Queen Amy Gilbert and the six 2015 fair queen candidates will lead the parade along with the 110-member strong Beach Middle School Marching Band.
Parents are reminded that for the safety of everyone, they should walk with younger children in the parade.
No gas powered vehicles or horses are allowed to intermingle with the children during the parade. Kids may ride small battery powered vehicles, however no gas powered vehicles may be ridden by kids in the parade.
There are also premiums for the entrants, ($6, $5, $4) for 1-3 placements, which are divided into four classes.
- 3-5 years olds and parents are requested to walk with their young children in the parade.
- 6-8 year olds
- 9-12 year olds
- Miscellaneous, mixed ages
All children taking part in the parade will receive a ride ticket good for one ride at the fair.
The Children’s Fair Parade marks the official start of the 78th annual Chelsea Community Fair .
Parents with questions can contact Sam Vogel at 734-478-6272.
