While the decision was made some time ago to postpone the Blossomtime Grand Flordal Parade, the organization is excited to announce they will hold their annual Youth Parade for youngsters from preschool through middle school age on Saturday, May 8, 2021 at 12:00 noon.
The Youth Parade will take place along Lake Boulevard in downtown St. Joseph.
Anna Abdelnour, Blossomtime Board President, reports, “As a festival we are excited to be able to hold this time-honored tradition,” and adds, “We are encouraging the young people to register and to be a part of this special day. All units are welcomed, marching bands, drill teams, decorated bikes, and pets.” She also invites spectators to head out and celebrate the special parade day, but asks, “Spectators, we ask that you please adhere to the CDC Guidelines with social distancing and wearing masks.”
Check in for the Youth Parade will begin 11:00 am at the corner of Pearl Street and Lake Boulevard in St. Joseph. Pre-registration is required. Awards will be given, with identification, to the person whose name is on the entry form, immediately following the parade at the John E. N. Howard Band Shell in Lake Bluff Park.
Entrants will be judged in the following categories:
- Floats
- Bands
- Shoe Box Float
- Scout Troops
- 4H Units
- Pom Pon/Cheerleading/Drill Teams
- Pets
- Costumed Individuals
- Costumed Groups
- Decorated wagons and bikes
No motorized vehicles are allowed in the Youth Parade unless the entrants are a float, a division unit or Community Royalty riding in a convertible.
Applications are available by emailing the office or visiting their website at this link: http://www.blossomtimefestival.org. Entrants are asked to return applications to the Blossomtime Office by e-mail at office@blossomtimefestival.org or by faxing them to 269-982-8018. Those with questions can call 269-982-8016 or email the office at office@blossomtimefestival.org. Applications are due no later than this Friday, April 30th, 2021 at 5:00 pm. 
New this year, following the Youth Parade, Blossomtime will celebrate parade day and the downtown merchants with a Live Mannequin show, called “Royalty Rocks the Windows.” That show will feature the 2020 Community Queens and Kings from 1:30pm-until-3:30pm. It’s a brand-new event, and they hope to make it a tradition. Everyone is welcome to walk down State Street to see the Community Queens and Kings model Live in area business windows. Each royalty window will display something special about their hometown community. All communities have been invited to participate so the public is encouraged to come out and see their favorite hometown Queen and King.
The Youth Parade is sponsored annually by Starks Family Funeral Homes and awards are provided by Twin City Awards & Trophies.
