Cutie Parade a ‘Groovy’ Time for Mermaid Festival
The 70th Mermaid Festival is off to a cute start. Wednesday night, June 24, found North Webster’s streets filled with strollers, costumes, candy and children beginning at 6:30 p.m.
The Cutie Parade was looking pretty “groovy” in accordance with this year’s theme, “Back to the 70’s.”
The evening began with the singing of the national anthem by Lisa Scott, followed by a line of North Webster Police, Fire and EMS.
Children and their families walked, strolled, drove and rode along in floats, wagons, and off-road vehicles designed to match the theme. Each costume and float was unique, but a couple characters and ’70s nostalgia were popular.
The first float down the line honored the kings and queens of past years, including the Cutie King and Queen from 2014, Hope Scott, North Webster, and Hayden Castro, Etna Green.
“Star Wars” and “Scooby Doo” graced parade guests with smiles and waves, while Wonder Woman and Superman tossed goodies for other children to enjoy. The crowd watched with awe as participants strolled by in their ’70s costumes. Children came from all over northern Indiana including Kimmel, Syracuse, Warsaw, Columbia City and Millersburg.
The popular “Dukes of Hazzard” wasn’t left behind, with Daisy coming in first with a smile, followed by the Dukes’ shiny, orange ride. Astronauts and radio deejays wouldn’t miss the Cutie Parade, either.
One float honored the Vietnam War, with a memorial wall and reading of names under a shady tree. This year’s theme also recognizes the time period of the first Mermaid Festival, during the end of WWII.
This year’s Cutie King and Queen will be announced during the Cutie Pageant Friday, June 26. The pageant begins at 7 p.m. at the North Webster Community Center.
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Here are some of the floats and participants from the 2015 Cutie Parade:
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- Ellie Kopkey, daughter of Nick and Holly Kopkey, has a smile to offer while playing the role of Daisy Duke.
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- Trent and Nicole Nabinger march along with son Jaxon and their Willy Wonka float. Steve Ward, father of Nicole, joined in the fun.
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- The Apollo 16 float was a unique sight for the parade.
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- The Brady Bunch, a popular television show from the ’70s made an appearance in the parade.
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- Zayla Marion rode along in Aristocats style as her mother, Lauren Shortill, pulled her along.
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- This float was a groovy relaxing zone for these children.
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- This float, driven by Everett Guy, son of Ben and Elise Guy, honored Vietnam Veterans.
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- All ages were able to enjoy the floats and festivities during the Cutie Parade.
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- This groovy duo traveled through the parade on this far out bike.
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- Children took to the streets to gather candy that parade participants tossed.
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- Kelli Ringler and son Maddux Ringler dressed in Star Wars gear for their entry.
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- Lorelei England, daughter of Anthony and Sara England, walked through the Cutie Parade with a patriotic display.
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- The Tippecanoe Township North Webster Fire Department started off the parade in style.
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- The street was packed with spectators patiently awaiting the start of the Cutie Parade.
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- The first float down the line honored past Kings and Queens.
