The 2022 Hopkins County Dairy Festival Parade will be held this Saturday, but those planning to attend should be aware, the parade route will be shorter this year.
The parade will begin at 10 a.m. this Saturday, June 11, 2022, at Buford Park, depart down Connally Street, turn at Celebration Plaza onto Gilmer Street, then end at Kyle Street. That’s a few blocks shy of the usual route, which in the past has ended on Broadway at Lee Street. If in doubt, just look for the Parade Route signs leading from downtown to Kyle Street.
In addition to 2019 Dairy Festival Queen Rachel Bramlett and this year’s 12 pageant contestants, the 2022 moving salute to the dairy industry is also slated to feature other local royalty. Dignitaries and civic groups also typically participate.
In keeping with the theme of this dairy heritage festival, four anniversary queens have also been invited to participate — those celebrating 60th, 40th, 25th and 10th anniversaries.
And, if anyone wants to help celebrate the dairy industry by participating in the parade this Saturday, Parade Coordinator David Watson said while they’ve had quite a bit of interest already, they can handle more entries.
Those participating in the parade, especially commercial entries, are asked to recognize the dairy industry by on their conveyance, vehicle or other submission. That can include writing and signs, banners, and decorations, someone dressed up as cow, or the annual them “Ice Scream For Dairyland.”
The goal of the parade and festival is to honor the dairy industry which has and continues to have an important role in our local agricultural community, while having a good yet safe time for spectators and participants. It’s also preferred three wheelers not be entered in the parade unless by an organized commercial type group.
Parade entries will begin lining up at the Buford Park starting at 9 a.m. June 11. Those interested who have not already should plan to follow the signs as they enter the park to the check in area; look for one at either end of the park, the north entrance by the field and the south entrance by the skate park. These participants will pick up a form to participate as well as receive needed information, then get in line.
