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14
WEST LINN TIDINGS
July 18, 2013
Parading through time
— Fair celebrates the past while looking toward the future
By PATRICK MALEE
Pamplin Media Group
In themidst of a centennial celebration that
hasWest Linn looking at its past, present and
future, one thing remains timeless: parades.
This year’s Old Time Fair parade, which is
set for July 20 at 10 a.m. onWillamette Falls
Drive, will feature much of the same pageant-
ry as previous years while also incorporating
a historical theme of “100 Years – Out of the
Past and Into the Future.”
Some participants, like those from the Wil-
lamette Living History Tour, will walk the pa-
rade in full 1913-style garb to reference the
monumental centennial event.
“We try to keep parade themes really
broad, so anyone’s imagination can come up
with an idea,” said Shelly Wert, one of the pa-
rade’s primary organizers this year. “We’re
celebrating our centennial this year, so it
could be anything from futuristic to historical
—whatever people can think of.”
Organization of the parade fell into new
hands this year, as Angela Pernisco took on
the primary coordinator role. Jill Briney had
served as the parade’s lead organizer since
2002, but she recently moved out of the area.
“When Jill moved last year, the Willamette
Neighborhood Association sent out an email
asking if anyone was willing to fill the coordi-
nator role,” Pernisco said. “Since I knowmany
of the existing volunteers and have volun-
teered in the past, it seemed like a natural fit
for me to step in.”
Pernisco is particularly excited about the
grand marshals this year: long-time West Linn
residents Ben and Betty Fritchie.
“Ben will be riding in the antique fire en-
gine provided by Tualatin Valley Fire & Res-
cue,” Pernisco said, “which is a great story in
itself since he was a volunteer firefighter for
years and helped build Fire Engine No. 1.”
Those joining the Fritchies in the parade in-
clude the West Linn High School Debutantes,
the Friendship Farm preschool (which will
have a truck and trailer float), Portland Water
Spectacular (pulling a boat) and the West Linn
Public Library.
As always, there will be plenty of candy to go
around, but parade participants are discour-
aged from throwing candy from cars or floats
due to the danger of children running out into
the road. Handing out candy while walking
alongside the parade is allowed, however.
Just like last year, longtime West Linn resi-
dent Tom Loun will serve as the parade’s em-
cee, calling out each float as it passes by on-
lookers. Loun will also announce the prize
winners as they pass by.
There are six trophy and ribbon categories
this year: Best Out of Town, Best Theme Rep-
resentation, Best Children’s Entry, Best Local
Entry, Best Float and Best Overall.
First-, second- and third-place ribbons will
be awarded in the categories of Equestrian,
Kids onWheels, Fire Trucks, Auto-Classic/
Car Club/New and Auto-Antique.
Parade entries must be received by 9 a.m.
on the day of the event to be judged. The pa-
rade is offering pre-registration this year,
which can be found online, but participants
can also register by mail or at the parade
starting at 8 a.m. in front of Handris Realty
Company on 2008 Willamette Falls Drive.
Judging will start at 9 a.m. in the staging ar-
ea and the parade itself will launch at 10 a.m.
Per tradition, Boy Scouts will walk in front of
the winning floats with banners announcing
the awards.
To register, visit westlinnoregon.gov/old-
timefair/parade or head to the check-in area at
8 a.m. on Saturday. Participants are encour-
aged to register early to save prime spots and
help smooth the organization process on the
day of the parade.
“Pre-registrations are much better to deal
with,” Pernisco said.
West Linn Mayor
John Kovash throws
candy to the crowd
during the parade.
FILE PHOTO:
VERN UYETAKE