See first place winners in Strawberry Festival Parade
Photo by Kim Pritt
ALBION – The Strawberry Festival Parade added award winners to the festival processional this year, and Hospice of Orleans won first place for “Best Use of Theme” for this display.
The 30th annual festival this year included a theme that celebrated the historic Erie Canal. Judges gave Hospice the first place for the water imagery in its float.
A group of judges picked first place winners in several categories. (The winners will receive certificates.)
The judges were looking for creativity and enthusiasm – participants who celebrate the community.
The following were first place winners:
Photo by Tom Rivers – “Most original” – Preston’s Landscaping of Albion for creating a lush landscape on a float.
Photo by Kim Pritt – “Best Cheer/Dance” – Kendall Lawnchair Ladies won this category for the second straight year. The Lawnchair Ladies kept a beat throughout the parade route, judges noted.
Photo by Tom Rivers – “Special recognition/community service” – Genesee-Orleans Ministry of Concern. The agency was praised by judges for including many children in the float as well as sending many positive messages.
Photo by Kim Pritt – “Best public safety agency – fire/police/ambulance” – Albion Fire Department. The department impressed judges by having so many members out on the parade route, as well as several fire trucks. “They were absolutely outstanding,” a judge said. “They looked very dapper out there.”
Photo by Kim Pritt – “Best classic car” – Judges were tied in picking a winner. This Model A was used to promote the Orleans County Historical Association.
Photo by Kim Pritt – This 1947 Cadillac is owned by Brad Shelp and is a favorite of the judges. The car needed a little push after stalling on Main Street. Shelp is the parade chairman.
Photo by Tom Rivers – “Best Band” – Albion Marching Band. The band, in its final parade of the season, makes its way up Main Street.
Photo by Tom Rivers – Albion seniors Cody Osborne, left, and Stephen Williams play with the drum line.
Photo by Tom Rivers – The band, including percussionist Ben Miller, left, perform for the crowd in front of the First Presbyterian Church.
