Text, Photos and Video
By Deb Patterson
InkFreeNews

PIERCETON — Clear skies, temperatures in the mid-70s and a light breeze made it a perfect day for Pierceton Day.

South First Street, or SR 13, was lined with chairs several hours before the parade with residents and out of town guests filling up those seats and more arriving as the 4 p.m. parade time drew nearer. Many opted to sit in the shade along the street, but just as many enjoyed the sunshine. Kids with plastic bags, buckets and other means to hold candy, anxiously awaited the parade.

Prior to the parade many ventured into downtown shops, visited the Brower Park where numerous vendors set up their wares, offered games and food trucks lined East Market Street offering fair type foods.

Earlier in the day a pancake breakfast was offered at the Pierceton Fire and Police Department, followed by a cornhole tournament, watermelon eating contest, sack races, water balloon toss and three-legged race.

Ellie Price with her pinwheel and American flag she received during the parade.

The parade kicked off following the raising of a large American flag over First Street with the use of two wreckers from Reichert and Knepp Inc.

The color guard from the Menzie-Reece American Legion Post 258 led the parade, stopping at the judges stand for the singing of the National Anthem. Emergency vehicles from Pierceton, Warsaw, Kosciusko County Sheriff’s Office, Pierceton Fire Department and Sidney Fire Department followed.

The parade consisted of close to 20 entries of floats, walking units, and three marching bands — Whitko, Warsaw and Wawasee.

Following the parade entries for the festival’s car and truck show took over First Street, capturing the attention of many festival goers.

The day concluded with music at Brower Park from Big Meow at the park and River’s End taking the stage at The Post and fireworks at 10 p.m.

Awards were presented to parade and car show entrants.