GAYLORD - The pageantry of Alpenfest culminated Saturday with the Grand Parade, drawing the masses to line up along downtown sidewalks in the heat for the procession which started at noon.

According to Chris Hebel, Alpenfest Board member, the parade went smoothly and lasted about an hour, which “was good because the heat index on the asphalt was 107 degrees.” The Gaylord Tourism Bureau distributed cold water at the staging area to help keep parade participants cool in the upper 80-degree heat.

Float entries were judged by parade committee members and awards were given in four categories.

“This was one of the best parades we've had in some time,” said Hebel. “We had a good mix of music and a lot of interesting float entries.”

The winning floats were:

€ Best use of theme: Independent Bank, for their Wizard of Oz-themed “There's No Place Like Home” entry, awarded ribbon;

€ Most original: Wolverine Power, for their “Power Bubbles” entry, awarded ribbon;

€ Best service club entry: Friends for Life of Gaylord for their “Letter from Timmy” entry, awarded ribbon;

€ Best overall: Pink Flamingoes of Gaylord, for their “Fabulous Flamingoes” entry, awarded trophy.

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