Parade draws sunshine, big crowd
POST FALLS - One out of three might not be the best they could have hoped for, but the break in the weather was just what the organizers of the Post Falls Days Parade needed on Saturday.
Downpours on Friday gave way to sunshine on Saturday, and what may have been a record turnout lined Seltice Way for an hour-long parade with 65 entries.
"Everybody is just so darned happy to see the sun," said Kerri Thoreson, parade director. "Everybody said it looked like the largest crowd ever."
With a group of Harley Davidson riders rumbling ahead of several military color guards, the now-traditional giant U.S. Flag carried by the Post Falls Community Volunteers was just the beginning, with floats, marching bands, equestrian groups,
community organizations and the ever-present commercial and political participants mixed in.
Almost as noisy as the sirens and horns blasting from emergency vehicles and heavy equipment were the hoots and hollers of a new group dressed in brilliant turquoise T-shirts and decorated black capris. The Blazen Divaz, in only their second appearance in what is expected to be many, danced their way down the street amid a chorus of applause and cheers.
"They were awesome," said Crystal Perez of Post Falls, who brought a couple of groups to the parade and was impressed by the display. "I like the way they dance and the way they dress. It looks like they were having a good time. We won't miss the Red Hot Mamas so much."
Nel Krier, assistant parade director for the Divaz, said the group of women ages 18 to 80 is now 50 strong and, other than an appearance in Osburn in May, this was their first show. The women have been putting in practice sessions three days a week for a total of at least five hours, getting their choreography and sound just right.
"It is going awesome," she said. "Everybody is having a great time. They are a fun group of ladies to be with. It keeps our hearts going strong."
Following the parade, an open house with free hot dogs and refreshments was held at Kootenai County Fire and Rescue's Fire Station 1, where youngsters got to try on tiny fire suits, play in a bounce house and try out a fire hose.
Though there is a 50 percent chance of thundershowers today, Post Falls Days will continue at Q'emiln Park with a fishing derby from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m., vendors and a carnival from noon to 5 p.m. and music from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Free shuttle buses will run from Red Lion Templin's Hotel and City Hall every 15 minutes from noon to 3 p.m.
• The following entries were named award winners in the annual Post Falls Days Parade.
Community Spirit: Post Falls Recreation Department
Equestrian: Kootenai County Saddle Club
Comedy: Clown Sweet Clown
Marching Unit: Post Falls High School Band & Cheerleaders
Classic Car: Ray Hoppe's woody wagon
Commercial: West Side Towing
Chamber Member Commercial: Jordan Sales and Service
Float: Heritage Baptist Church
Parade Committee Favorite: Little Caesar's Pizza
Plaques can be picked up after 11 a.m. on Monday, June 7 at Community 1st Bank, Seltice Way and Post Street. Parade highlight photos are posted on More Main Street, http://moremainstreet.blogspot.com