Story by Crystal Hayduk, photo by Katie Rae Hayduk
Excitement was in the air as children ages three through 12 gathered with their decorated bikes and wagons in the municipal parking lot behind the Common Grill on Aug. 23.
By 5 p.m., eager participants were lined up for the popular family event, a Chelsea Fair tradition for more than 40 years. It was officiated by Sam Vogel, event superintendent, and Bob Milbrodt of the Kiwanis Club, which sponsors the parade along with the Chelsea High School (CHS) Key Club.
For many of the children, this was their first experience with the children’s parade, especially the younger ones. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the fair was canceled in 2020. In 2021, the children’s parade was canceled due to conflicts with the Chelsea School District’s open house schedule.
But the parade was back this year, although it looked and sounded a bit different than in 2019 and years past. In an announcement to the crowd, Vogel said the Beach Middle School band no longer marches in parades. The parade was noticeably quiet without the young teens making music.
Katie Wickman, 2021 Chelsea Fair Queen, and this year’s contestants led the parade, followed by a small fire truck. Children made their way through the parade route to the fairgrounds in order of oldest to youngest. A large fire truck guarded children from behind, with a Chelsea Police Department vehicle pulling up the rear.
Every participant received a ticket good for one ride at the fair, as well as a coupon for a free concrete mixer courtesy of Chelsea’s Culver’s.
A three-year-old “farmer” was all smiles in his first parade as he drove a small tractor pulling his toy horse in a trailer.
Macie, 9, decorated her bike with battery-powered lights. She was happy the parade was back, and looking forward to her free ice cream.
Brothers Declan and Caleb rode their bikes dressed in a George Washington theme with special hats, accompanied by their mother.
Arguably the youngest participant was a ten-week-old baby along for the ride with big sisters who were two and four years old. Their mother, Megan, pushed the baby in a Pack ‘n Play on wheels for a family excursion.
CHS Key Club members served as judges. In each age group, cash prizes were awarded for first through third place. One judge said, “They’re all adorable. I’d like to give them all first place.”
