Holmes County plans reverse parade for America250

Everyone loves a parade, but what in the world is a reverse parade?

Holmes County is about to find out as it prepares to celebrate the nation’s 250th anniversary this summer.

On July 25 Holmes County will celebrate America’s 250th at the Harvest Ridge Fairgrounds, and one of the big draws aside from the drone show, food and music will be the reverse parade that brings the people to the floats, not the floats to the people.

Event organizer Melissa Patrick came up with the idea because it creates several interesting scenarios including saving the county money without the need for insurance and keeping kids out of harm’s way.

The reverse parade is a unique twist on a traditional parade. It will take place from 11:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. inside the expo center at Harvest Ridge, which allows people plenty of time to participate instead of being locked down to a specific time. Local businesses and organizations will have tables, floats and decorations set up, and people can simply walk through the lineup at their leisure and get the same benefits of a usual parade, but in this one the parade entries are stationary and the people travel.

Patrick said the one big positive is it creates a bond between parade participants and viewers, where much more interaction can take place because people can spend as much time at each parade participant as they want.

“It’s fun because the floats are stationary and it brings people together,” Patrick said. “There will still be people handing out candy, toys and whatever items they want to hand out, just like in a real parade. But in this case, people can take their time and get more invested.”

It also allows for parade participants to set up more activities for kids and adults, from free gifts to games, meaning even more interaction.

There is no cost for businesses and organizations to participate, but there is a form that accompanies this story or can be found online to apply for a spot in the reverse parade.

Each entrant will have a designated space in the reverse parade, and they can bring whatever they want to the party, whether it’s T-shirts, pens, Frisbees, food, games and more.

Patrick said Harvest Ridge will supply tables and chairs for any entrant who requests them, or people can bring their own.

The event also will include food vendors, craft vendors, a touch-a-truck section and a 5k in the morning, and following the reverse parade, local and state officials will speak.

The other big feature showcase will be the performance by American Musical Productions, a band that brings patriotic historical music to life.

“They played our bicentennial closing, and they are so excited about coming back,” Patrick said.

The final 15 minutes of their performance will coincide with a drone light show, and Patrick said the patriotic music combined with the air spectacle should be something to remember.

Patrick is currently taking applications for the reverse parade and continues to seek donations to ensure all these special events can take place. Anyone wishing to register for the reverse parade may fill out the accompanying form and send it to Holmes County Commissioners, c/o Susan Schie, 2 Court St., Suite 14, Millersburg, OH 44654, or email it to holmescounty200th@gmail.com. There also is an accompanying donor form for those wishing to help support the effort. Any donations can be tax write-offs because the event is run through United Way Wayne & Holmes Counties.

To learn more, visit Facebook at Holmes County’s America250 Celebration, where these forms also are available.