Rain Stops For Mermaid Festival Parade
Light rain throughout the morning disappeared shortly before the start of the 70th Annual North Webster Mermaid Festival Saturday afternoon, June 27.
Some paradegoers braved the rain sitting under umbrellas awaiting the start of the parade, while others waited until almost parade time to gather along SR 13, to watch the 50 minute parade. Close to 50 units participated, including five bands. One band, Spirit of Woodland from Woodland was scheduled to participate but did not attend.
The parade was lead by the American Legion Post 253 Color Guard, followed by numerous police departments, all North Webster Fire Department vehicles, North Webster EMS, and Department of Natural Resources.
Dignitaries for this year’s parade followed with 1st Sgt. Jacob R. Gilmer, grand marshal on a float with a local veteran representing each branch of the Armed Services accompanying him.
Phil and Karilyn Metcalf, citizens of the year, wearing yellow, matched the convertible they were riding.
During the annual passing of the gavel from outgoing North Webster Lions Club President Mark Lawson to incoming president, Greg Stump, the theme for the 2016 Mermaid Festival was announced. Stump announced the theme will be “Bicentennial of Indiana” to celebrate the 200th birthday of the state.
The parade is never complete without the float carrying the previous year’s Queen of Lakes, members of her court, the 2015 Cutie King and Queen along with the 10-year Cutie King and Queen. This year’s float included McKenah D’Arcy, 2014 Queen of Lakes; Princesses Jenna Coy and Alexis Leinimeyer; Cohen Tom, 2015 Cutie King; Jozie Mishler, 2015 Cutie Queen; and 2005 Cutie Queen Alexandra Fiscus.
Each of the Queen of Lakes entries participated by riding in convertibles and wearing attire representing the 70s or entering a float. Area businesses, clubs and organizations filled out the remaining entries in this year’s parade.
During the Queen of Lakes Pageant, winners of the Queen’s Conveyances were announced. First place went to Aarika Olenik with her Scooby-Doo entry with The Mystery Machine. Second place went to Jenna Coy with her entry of the Sonny and Cher Comedy Hour. Third place went to Camille Kerlin’s entry of Shopping Through the 70s.
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- North Webster American Legion Post 253 Color Guard has the honor of starting off the parade each year
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- Matt Murdock, summer resident of North Webster, played the national anthem.
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- These youngsters have learned at an early age the respect for the American Flag
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- 1st Sgt. Jacob Gilman, parade marshal
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- Dan Conkling, director of Legion Riders made an appearance.
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- First place in the Queen’s Conveyance competition
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- Wawasee Warrior Marching Band was the host band
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- A tradition in the parade is the entry carrying the 2014 Queen of Lakes and her court, 2015 Cutie King and Queen, and the 10-year Cutie King and Queen.
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- A 1967 King Midget car was a unique entry
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- The American Red Cross Kosciusko County Chapter’s Disaster Action Team participated in the parade.
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- Ken Frenger clowned around on his Schwinn bicycle.
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- The Love Boat was among the entries
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- Little Lambs Preschool returned to the 70s
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- Oscar Mareno-Elst, second place winner in the Cutie Parade and his father participated in the parade with their Fantasy Island entry.
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- The Lions Academy students participated in the parade
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- Lake City Skiers were among the participants
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- An ATV purchased by the fire department through a K21 Health Foundation grant.
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- Elkhart Shrine Club scooters are an annual parade participant
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- Camille Kerlin’s queen conveyance of shopping through the 70s was a third place winner.
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- Jenna Coy with the help of her brother, won second place in the queen’s conveyance competition.
