Montpelier: July 19, 2014 – Just before 4 p.m. on July 19 in the Village of Montpelier, a huge crowd assembled on Main Street, from the Williams County Fairgrounds to the end of downtown at Monroe Street, for the 2014 Annual Bean Day’s Parade, with this year’s theme “Making Montpelier a Vacation Destination.” Mayor Steve Yagelski and Village Councilman James Rocky walked the parade route distributing American Flags for the spectators, making it a star spangled banner waving crowd for the one hour and twenty minute extravaganza.
From the Main podium on Empire Street in the center of town, Parade Announcer Bill Priest and Gloria Osborne welcomed all attendees and introduced each of the participating entrants in the parade. This year’s Judge’s were special guests Connie Sandoval, Bonnie Kelly, and Jeff Heitz.
Leading off the parade, Montpelier Village Police Chief Dan Magee led the way, followed by representatives of the Police, Fire and Ems Services from neighboring towns and villages throughout Williams County. Entrants in the parade from local businesses in Montpelier and across Williams County displayed their creations for both the pleasure of the crowd and the judges, with the traditional candy tosses to the crowd.
Entertaining this year, two High School Marching Bands added their music to the festivities, with the hometown Locomotive Band delighting the crowd along with the Edon Bomber Marching Band. Also providing entertainment along the parade route were the, as always, spectacular “Class Act All Stars.” The young men and women wowed the crowd with the gymnastic moves that has made their club the champions they are, and they were a crowd favorite!
