Post by Todd B on Dec 3, 2007 18:26:36 GMT -5
www.monroenews.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20071203/NEWS01/112030046
Article published Dec 3, 2007
Thousands attend Ida festivities
IDA - An estimated 30,000 people braved the wintry mix of snow and freezing rain Saturday night to watch the Ida Night Light Parade.
The parade was part of the Christmas in Ida Festival held over the weekend in downtown Ida. Sponsored by the Ida Civic Club, the festival celebrated its 25th anniversary.
"We believe there were about 30,000 people for the parade, which has been the average the last four or five years," said Dale Zorn, a member of the Ida Civic Club.
The weather slightly dampened the crowd estimates. Snow began to fall in the afternoon, followed by sleet.
"It started raining around 8 p.m. That's when the crowd slimmed down," he said.
More than 140 illuminated floats participated in the parade through downtown Ida. Designs included a Candy Land display and a Silver Bell salute.
Mr. Zorn said the parade float winners will be announced this week.
Earlier in the day, the Radio Disney Jingle Jam proved to be a success. The concert featured nationally known musicians Drew Seeley, Everlife and Keke Palmer. Mr. Zorn believes about 4,500 people attended the afternoon concert.
"Overall, the weekend was a complete success. We don't have final estimates yet, but I'm guessing we had around 38,000 people here," Mr. Zorn said. "People were in town by 9 a.m., and by noon it was already very busy. It kept getting busier as the day went on."
In addition to the parade and Disney show, other events included craft shows, a fireworks display, food vendors, ice sculpting, a visit from Santa Claus, vendor shows and live entertainment.
FOX Toledo Channel 36 will re-air its broadcast of the parade at 5 p.m. Saturday.
Article published Dec 3, 2007
Thousands attend Ida festivities
IDA - An estimated 30,000 people braved the wintry mix of snow and freezing rain Saturday night to watch the Ida Night Light Parade.
The parade was part of the Christmas in Ida Festival held over the weekend in downtown Ida. Sponsored by the Ida Civic Club, the festival celebrated its 25th anniversary.
"We believe there were about 30,000 people for the parade, which has been the average the last four or five years," said Dale Zorn, a member of the Ida Civic Club.
The weather slightly dampened the crowd estimates. Snow began to fall in the afternoon, followed by sleet.
"It started raining around 8 p.m. That's when the crowd slimmed down," he said.
More than 140 illuminated floats participated in the parade through downtown Ida. Designs included a Candy Land display and a Silver Bell salute.
Mr. Zorn said the parade float winners will be announced this week.
Earlier in the day, the Radio Disney Jingle Jam proved to be a success. The concert featured nationally known musicians Drew Seeley, Everlife and Keke Palmer. Mr. Zorn believes about 4,500 people attended the afternoon concert.
"Overall, the weekend was a complete success. We don't have final estimates yet, but I'm guessing we had around 38,000 people here," Mr. Zorn said. "People were in town by 9 a.m., and by noon it was already very busy. It kept getting busier as the day went on."
In addition to the parade and Disney show, other events included craft shows, a fireworks display, food vendors, ice sculpting, a visit from Santa Claus, vendor shows and live entertainment.
FOX Toledo Channel 36 will re-air its broadcast of the parade at 5 p.m. Saturday.