Continuously serving Kosciusko County since 1854
NORTH WEBSTER - More than 120 entries participated in the 57th annual Mermaid Festival Cutie Parade Wednesday.
The "School Days" theme sparked a variety of theme renditions, from walking boxes of crayons to elaborate floats with "poor parents" wearing barrels handing out money to a recent "graduate."
Several "mermaids" and "prom queens," barefoot boys in bibs goin' fishin', joined in the procession.
Each child participating in the Cutie King and Queen Pageant Friday must participate in the parade. The pageant is open to children ages 4 to 6.
Kids participating in the parade must be under the age of 14.
Educational bonds are presented to the top four units in three categories: $5,000 for first place; $2,500 for second place; $1,500 for third; and $1,000 for fourth.
Winners will be announced during the Cutie Pageant Friday, beginning at 6:30 p.m.
The parade is sponsored by the North Webster Lions Club and The International Palace of Sports Inc.
The Lake City Bank coin hunt in the sand begins at 7 p.m. with entertainment by Short Term Memories on the midway at 8 p.m. Winners of a boys and girls bike giveaway will be announced at 8:30 p.m.
The fourth annual demolition derby is Friday beginning at 7 p.m. PS-47 plays at 8 p.m. on the midway.
Saturday's parade begins at 4 p.m.; entertainment by Incognito Cloggers, Lois Ellen's Dance School and the Tri-County Kickers is at 6:30 p.m. on Merlin's Stage; the Central Indiana Tractor Pullers Association - Mini Rod Pullers is at 6 p.m.; and a spectacular fireworks display is at 9 p.m.
