If you’re looking for a free family event this weekend you don’t want to miss the Hall of Fame Enshrinement Festival Timken Grand Parade! Held on Saturday, Aug. 8, beginning at 8 a.m., the parade will include many returning Hall of Famers, along with the 2009 Class of Enshrinees or their representatives including Bob Hayes, Randall McDaniel, Bruce Smith, Derrick Thomas, Ralph Wilson, Jr., and Rod Woodson. Parade viewers will be treated to the sights and sounds of 12 giant helium balloons, 22 marching and military bands, 11 floats, and 27 specialty units, as well as antique vehicles, animal units, and much, much more.
Specialty units to keep an eye out for include the Fred Hill Briefcase Brigade, giant walking flag, Ziggy helium balloon with creator Tom Wilson, Jr., and two units from Dayton, Ohio, including the Cowgirl Express Rodeo Drill Team, and the 100 youngsters comprising the Invincible Regulating Striders Marching Ensemble.
Dan Dierdorf, Canton native and 1996 inductee into the Pro Football Hall of Fame, and Wilma Smith, news anchor on WJW FOX 8 Cleveland, will serve as commentators for the parade. Tony Rizzo, WJW FOX 8 Cleveland sportscaster will be the “man-on-the-street” for interviews with the 2009 Class of Enshrinees and many of the returning Hall of Famers.
Parade units step off at Sixth St. and Cleveland Ave. SW and move north to 25th St. NW, where they will begin to disband. For complete Enshrinement Festival information visit www.profootballhofef.com or call (330) 458-2088 .
