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A little rain can't spoil parade

About 100 children and adults turn out for postponed festivities

Jennifer Hall
Business Reporter
10/14/2007 1:50:00 AM


Justin Janorschke, 11, dressed as the Lucario Pokemon, waits for the children’s costume contest and parade to start by Patee Park during the PumpkinFest on Saturday. (Rachel Anne Seymour/St. Joseph News-Press)

About 100 children and adults showed up for the Pony Express PumpkinFest 2007 parade on Saturday. A little rain shower and clouds in the morning couldn't keep Frankenstein and a few witches away.

The parade was scheduled to begin at 10 a.m., but scattered thunderstorms throughout the morning postponed the event to the afternoon.

"It's a great turnout," said Chris Price with Hy-Vee. "We were expecting more this morning, but thankfully we were able to reschedule. It's important for the kids."

Hy-Vee was the main sponsor for the parade.

"I'm glad they didn't cancel it," said Julie Fletcher. Ms. Fletcher and her two children, Zach and Kyler, said they worked hard on their costumes.

"It's always fun to do a little something before Halloween," she said.

Participants in the parade were judged, and winners were announced after the event. A family dressed like farmers, a horse and a chicken won the grand prize, a basketball arcade game.

Makayla Berry, 11, Skylar Berry, 9, Aiden Miller, 2, and Avrey Miller, 1, all cousins, dressed up for the day's events. The theme, "A Day on the Farm," was inspired by a toy John Deere tractor.

Heavy rains gave way to sunshine by early afternoon, and festival-goers were eager to get back on the rides at Patee Park.

Brian Duncan and his family walked from their home after the weather cleared to enjoy some of the rides.

"We didn't get to come down (on Friday) so I'm glad we got to make it today (Saturday)," Mr. Duncan said.

PumpkinFest will continue today with several events at the park's main stage.[/QUOTE]
- Original StJoeNews.Net Article