BaldwinCity.com

Consider it the miniature version of the grand parade.

The Maple Leaf Festival's annual children's parade is slated to begin this year in downtown Baldwin at 10:45 a.m. Saturday, just 15 minutes before the start of the grand parade. This year's theme is "Let Freedom Shake, Rattle and Roll."

"It's a fun way for the kids to get out and show their spirit," Nancy Crisp, children's parade coordinator, said.

Crisp said children ages 10 and younger interested in being in the parade are encouraged to have a costume or "vehicle," like a wagon or bicycle, decorated to fit the theme.

Participants will be judged and monetary prizes will be given to the top three winners. But every participant will receive a goody bag for being in the parade.

Those interested in participating in the contest must be registered no later than 10:30 a.m. Registration will begin at 10 a.m. in front of the Baldwin First United Methodist Church at Eighth and Grove streets. Judging will take place between 10:15 and 10:30 a.m.

The parade will begin shortly after judging at Eighth and Grove streets, wind its way to High Street and finish at Seventh Street.

Leading the parade this year will be this year's petite marshal, kindergartner Emily Dixson, the daughter of Pam and Morry Dixson. Emily was last year's second place winner in the parade contest.

Crisp said she hoped for a large turnout, both in parade participants and viewers.

"I just think this is a lot of fun for the kids," she said.

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