2008 North Dakota State Fair Parade
Despite cool weather, it didn’t rain on this paradeBy KIM FUNDINGSLAND, Staff Writer, kfundingsland@minotdailynews.com
Article Photos
It was smiles and sounds, children and clowns. It was free, and it was fun. It was the North Dakota State Fair Parade held Saturday morning in Minot.
A large crowd gathered along the entire parade route on Burdick Expressway despite moderately cool temperatures and ominous skies. However, it wouldn't rain on this parade. Sunshine broke through shortly after the parade began and added to the enjoyment of the event. A total of 214 entries gave parade watchers plenty of entertainment.
For many of the watchers that lined the route, it was lawn chair living at its best. The price was right free. The fun was apparent from beginning to end. Giveaways included Frisbees and freeze-pops, candy and combs. Hundreds of wide-eyed children showed their enthusiasm with broad smiles. They kept busy gathering what they could from buckets and buckets of candy tossed into the crowd. Many of the youngsters turned the candy scrambles into friendly competition but then were happy to share their sweet rewards with others.
The sounds of sirens from many of firetrucks delighted parade watchers. Several parade entries featured music that kept the crowd tapping their toes or clapping along. Dancers and clowns and silly vehicles of all kinds, most driven by area Shriners, attracted lots of attention.
The politicians were there too, not to step up on the soapbox but rather to enjoy the event. Gov. John Hoeven trotted along the parade route, stopping to shake outstretched hands and scattering candy to eager youngsters. One lady asked for hug and the governor obliged.
"We're full service," remarked Hoeven, drawing laughter from those within hearing distance.
A wide range of remarkably restored automobiles were mixed in throughout the parade, drawing the usual looks of envy from parade watchers familiar with a particular make or model. Antique tractors also drew the attention of some of the older parade fans, but parades are primarly for children and this one certainly didn't disappoint.
There were plenty of clowns working the parade route, which is to say they were clowning around. Buddy the clown pulled a small wagon with a bucket in it labeled "North Dakota lake." He also had a fishing pole over his shoulder. Every so often he would tell a young child that he had a fish on the line and needed some help. When a child jerked the fishing pole they found they had indeed caught a "whopper." No, not a fish but a Burger King sandwich look-alike. The funny spoof worked time and time again as evidenced by the laughter and smiles. Such skits added to the success of the parade.
The parade got under way as scheduled at 9:15 a.m. It took two hours and 45 minutes for all the entries to pass by the reviewing stand across from the Ward County Courthouse. From all appearances, most parade watchers waited for the final entry to pass just as heavy clouds began gathering once again.
