Continuously serving Kosciusko County since 1854
NORTH WEBSTER - There were a lot of Lucys, Snoopys and Charlie Browns on Main Street Wednesday, not to mention Walt Disney and Warner Brothers characters, all part of the 61st annual Cutie Parade held Wednesday.
The popular Mermaid Festival event drew 74 units: 19 motorized, 34 walking and 21 hand-drawn; all following the "Comic Strips on Parade" theme.
Hundreds of people lined Main Street to watch the "comics" go by.
Prizes for first place in each division are $5,000 in educational bonds; second place, $2,500; third place, $1,500; and $1,000 for fourth place. The awards are provided by the International Palace of Sports.
Parade winners are announced during the Cutie Pageant.
Children ages 4 to 6 years old and registered for Friday's cutie pageant must participate in the parade. The Cutie Pageant offers an additional $20,000 in educational bonds.
The Mermaid Festival continues today with the merchant building, Milford Lions' food stand and Poor Jack's Amusements opening at 5 p.m.
The United Methodist Church youth barbecue chicken dinner is from 4 to 7 p.m. in the food tent on Washington Street.
An Extreme BMX Expedition demonstration is on Washington Street from 7 to 9 p.m.
At 7 p.m. the Lake City Bank-sponsored coin hunt in the sand begins.
The North Webster Lions Club Boys and Girls bike give-away is at 7:45 p.m.
"Hygh Strung" performs on Merlin's stage at 8 p.m.
Friday
The merchant building, Milford Lions' food stand and Poor Jack's Amusements open at 5 p.m.
The North Webster Church of the Brethren's annual tenderloin dinner is at the church from 4 to 8 p.m.
Registration for the demolition derby begins at 5 p.m. The derby event is at 7 p.m.
At 6:30 p.m. is the Cutie King and Queen Pageant in the North Webster Community Center.
The basketball tournament championship game begins at 6:30 p.m.
"Sly Dawg" performs on Merlin's stage at 8 p.m.
Saturday
Tournament of Champions competitors sign in at 7:30 a.m.; the event begins at 8 a.m. in the North Webster Elementary School.
At noon the Antique Boat Flotilla begins on Webster Lake and the American Legion Post 253's chicken barbecue is from noon until the food is sold out.
Discounted tickets for Poor Jack's Amusements rides are available from 1 to 5 p.m. The merchant building also opens at 1 p.m. along with the Milford Lions food stand.
The eighth annual arm wrestling event is at 1 p.m.
At 4 p.m. is the 61st annual Mermaid Festival Parade begins. The theme is "Comic Strips On Parade."
The North Webster United Methodist Church's hamburger and hot dog dinner is from 4 to 7 p.m.
The Central Indiana Tractor Pullers Association mini rod pullers competition begins at 6 p.m.
The North Webster Ski Bee's Club performs on Webster Lake at 6:30 p.m.
Performing on Merlin's Stage is "Class Act Dance Troupe" at 7 p.m. and the "InClognito Cloggers" at 8 p.m.
Fireworks begin at 9 p.m.
