Huge balloons hover over what officials say is biggest crowd ever
The temperature on Saturday was freezing, but the weather outside wasn't quite frightful enough to stop thousands of people from bundling up and lining South Main Street to watch the Akron Recreation Bureau's 21st annual Welcome Santa Parade.
Unlike 2006, when the balmy, nearly 60-degree weather allowed folks to watch the parade in short sleeves, this year's parade watchers braved the sunny but freezing cold in full winter gear, with blankets and thermoses full of warm liquids to help enjoy the festivities.
Parade officials estimated that this year's crowd was the largest ever. There were more than 80 units in the parade, including local school marching bands, dance squads, a Chinese dragon, color guards, local politicians and costumed characters.
There were also some brand-new entries in the form of giant floating balloons depicting a dragon, a reindeer, a green dinosaur and a candy cane, all tethered by groups of shivering volunteers.
''I thought it would be good to get involved for a good cause,'' Stephanie Davis of Akron said while holding one of the tethers that kept the giant Veyance Technologies-sponsored reindeer balloon from floating away.
There was also a quiet protest from the American Friends Service Committee, whose members marched with signs with pleas to support the troops by ending the Iraq War.
But, by far the most popular floats with kids were any that gave out free candy. The candy-seeking herds of small children frequently dashed into the street to grab the handfuls of candy offered by parade units.
''More candy!!'' Brandon Gray yelled as another parade participant flung handfuls of hard candy.
Both Brandon and his sister, Alexandria, were parade veterans, running into the street to get the candy and bringing it back to their grandpa, Mike Martin of Tallmadge, to hold in his pockets for later.
Martin said attending the parade was a fairly new tradition for the family.
''We came out last year and I was surprised at how nice it was. You don't really know until you come down here and try it,'' he said, taking another piece of candy from Alexandria.
South Main Street was lined with parade watchers from Cedar Street all the way to Bowery, but not everyone watched from the street. Some folks arrived early enough to park directly across from Canal Park so they could watch the parade without leaving the comfort of their cars.
In Brubaker's Pub, a group was strategically positioned at the two tables next to the front windows, enjoying the warmth and some ice cold beer while commenting on the parade.
''I used to fight for candy until a group of 7-year-olds took me down one year. They were mean, man,'' said Terry Carmedy of Akron, drawing laughs from both tables.
Carmedy's wife, Ann, said the balloons were her favorite part and she took pictures of every float.
The couple and friends have been going to Brubaker's to watch the parade from the window for about six years.
''It's a good traditional event,'' said Bill Brannan of Akron, who was sitting at the next table.
''You get here at about 11 a.m., belly up to the bar and then belly up to the window and enjoy the parade,'' he said.
Just before 1 p.m., Santa came down the street, firing off confetti and signaling the end of the parade. The crowd dispersed to cars, local restaurants and Lock 3 Park, where the chance to ice skate and see the giant balloons up close awaited.
By Malcolm X Abram Beacon Journal staff writer
Published on Sunday, Nov 25, 2007
