No fair-weather fans
HOMECOMING PARADE 2009
Mother Nature put a half-hearted effort into trying to reach 50 degrees, but the cool, gray day didn't deter a crowd from gathering for the community homecoming parade.
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Floats featured predictions on the homecoming football battle between the Brainerd Warriors and the St. Cloud Apollo Eagles, with the birds not faring too well. Options included stomping and plucking. One float included a Warrior football player tackling an Eagle mascot in front of a goal post.
Warrior football fans showed their school spirit Saturday during the homecoming parade.
Brainerd Dispatch/Kelly Humphrey
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Generations of families lined the sidewalks of downtown Brainerd. Children had painted faces and blue hair. And while it didn't rain, it did sprinkle. The temperature and breeze made those with winter hats and gloves easy to envy.
"A great turnout," said Rita Fairbanks, 1972 BHS graduate. "For the weather, it's very good."
Fairbanks, Brainerd, waved to parade marchers and collected beads and a T-shirt.
"I love it. This is great," she said. "You get to see old friends. This is a fantastic community."
Floats included royal courts, dancers, future BHS graduates representing area schools, community businesses and activities and area cities. There were even clowns courtesy of the Deerwood Lakes Lions Clown Club. Masked Halloween characters walked the street from Paul Bunyan Land's haunted house and corn maze.
Students walking in the parade hand delivered candy to shy younger children standing back from the street.
The Forestview entry for the homecoming parade Saturday featured a fan bus with an eagle splattered on the front windshield, banners, a band and students marching behind the float.
Brainerd Dispatch/Kelly Humphrey
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Abby Rubado, 11, Brainerd, wore colorful toe-socks and flip flops. They appeared to help attract the candy givers. Last year, Rubado was in the parade. This year she was content to watch. Her favorite parade entry: The dancers. Her mom, Karen, had an eighth-grader in the parade. She said the parade had lots of spirit and creativity.
"It's just good to see everyone having fun," she said.
On the other side of the street, Steve Mau was planning a full day of homecoming activities with his family. His 8-year-old son Ryan had painted his hair blue and carefully spiked it for the occasion. Ryan particularly liked the Forestview Fan Bus parade entry and its band.
Gymnasts from Brainerd M.A.G.A Gymnastics did somersaults Saturday down the route for the Brainerd homecoming parade.
Brainerd Dispatch/Kelly Humphrey
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The Mau family was headed for the pre-game activities and food before the 2 p.m. homecoming game at Adamson Field. Although a trip home for more blankets was added to the plan.
"We had a great time," Mau said, praising the parade's variety and the BHS marching band. "It makes for a fun Saturday."
RENEE RICHARDSON may be reached at renee.richardson@brainerddispatch.com or 855-5852.