Night parade kicks off Valleyfest

Marsha Crumrine had a front row seat Friday evening as she waited patiently for the Valleyfest parade to begin. She was there with camera in hand to capture the moment when her son Daniel, a trumpet player in the Bowdish Middle School band, would march by.

Crumrine was among the more than 10,000 people who lined Sprague Avenue from City Hall to University Road. About 100 entries and 2,500 participants took part in the parade that kicked off the 17th annual Valleyfest celebration this weekend.

Last year was the first time the Valleyfest parade was held at night.

“I think people really prefer an evening parade. I like seeing the classic cars … and my son of course,” said Crumrine.

Bill Kitley said he’s watched Valleyfest evolve from a small, one-day event held at Terrace View Park to the three-day festival.

“I enjoy the music and the bands, the drum and bugle corps, the flag waving. It’s great to see everyone here getting together,” said Kitley.

The parade had something for everyone. There were school bands; classic cars; Irish dancers; and representatives from church groups, clubs, local businesses, all passing out candy to waiting children and a few adults too.

City dignitaries, including Spokane Valley Mayor Diana Wilhite, waved to the crowd from convertibles, and police, firefighters and military units got lots of applause.

Imaginatively designed floats from the Spokane Lilac Festival, Fairfield and Tekoa, Wash., and one featuring Miss Spokane Valley lit up the clear autumn night and were real crowd-pleasers.

Parade coordinator Ken Weedmark said that bringing Valleyfest together is time-consuming, and few people realize just how much work goes into it. About 125 to 150 volunteers help keep things running smoothly, and at least 30 more help with the parade. But he said they do it for one reason – the kids.