Continuously serving Kosciusko County since 1854
Warsaw's Sesquicentennial parade route down Center Street begins at 10 a.m. Saturday. The theme, "Rich Past, Bright Future," commemorates the town's last 150 years.
Former Gov. Otis R. Bowen has been named grand marshal of Warsaw's Sesquicentennial Celebration parade. With more than 75 entries to date, this promises to be one of the most memorable parades ever in Warsaw.
Some of the interesting and unique entries include an Indy 500 promotion car. Fans of the former Warsaw Speedway will enjoy seeing five-time season champion Denny England riding in the Indy promo car, with his familiar sprint car following. After the parade, the Indy car will be stationed in the National City Bank parking lot, where fans can have their photos taken with the car.
Basketball fans of this "Hoosier Hysteria" community will see members of the 1954 Milan boys state basketball championship team. Dr. Steve Hollar, who portrayed guard Rade Butcher in the popular 1986 movie that was made about the Milan team's win 50 years ago, will pass out sesquicentennial commemorative basketballs along the parade route.
An antique circus wagon from the Circus Hall of Fame in Peru, complete with a young girl swinging on a trapeze, will be in the parade. This entry is sponsored by Coldwell Banker/Hamilton Realty and Midwest Rake Co.
Two steam engines that were in the 1954 Centennial parade also will participate in Saturday's Sesquicentennial parade. It took 2-1/2 days for Dal Anglin and Isac Harman to drive their steam engines from Etna Green to Warsaw in 1954. This year the big machines will "hitch a ride" into town.
In addition to the Purdue train and a member of the Indiana Wheelmen's Club riding a high-wheel bike, there will be clowns, jugglers and stilt walkers.
The search for Kosciusko County's "Greatest Marriage Milestone" located Jesse and Doris Dungan, who have been married 75 years. Courtesy of Miller's Assisted Living, the Dungans will ride along the parade route in a horse-drawn carriage.
There's still time to be a part of this historic celebration. The parade application, along with a complete list of events, is available on the city's Web site at www.warsawcity.net
Along with the parade, there will be plenty of other opportunities for entertainment during Warsaw's Sesquicentennial Celebration.
The entertainment tent will be set up on the southeast corner of the Kosciusko County courthouse.
Performance schedule:
Friday
Noon to 1 p.m. - Mountain Music
1 to 1:30 p.m. - Doran and Caleb deJong
2:15 to 3 p.m. - Nate White, guitarist
3 to 3:30 p.m. - Evelyn Tinkey, piano
3:30 to 4 p.m. - All Graber, Gospel quartet
4 to 4:30 p.m. - Dancin' Grannies
4:30 to 5 p.m. - Joyful Noise
5 to 6 p.m. - Possum Ranch Clowns
6 to 6:30 p.m. - Dancer's Paradise Dance Studio
6:30 to 7 p.m. - Kosciusko County Extension Chorus
7 to 7:15 p.m. - Sesquicentenniial beard contest
7:15 to 8 p.m. - Un-Finished Business
8 to 8:30 p.m. - Michiana Dance Studio
8:30 to 9 p.m. - Tuggle/Dickerson
Saturday
12:30 to 1:30 p.m. - Leesburg Grace Brethren Worship Team
1:30 to 2 p.m. - Class Act Dance Troupe
3 to 4 p.m. - Tri-County Kickers
4 to 4:30 p.m. - Meloaires
4:30 to 5 p.m. - Plymouth Wesleyan Church orchestra
5 to 6 p.m. - Melody Barker
6 to 7 p.m. - Doug Kehler as Spike Jones
7 to 8 p.m. - Sesquicentennial car show announcements
8 to 9 p.m. - Biff and the Crusiers
