Culture
PHOTOS: 2014 Parade of the Hills
By: John Schwartz | Athens Messenger contributor, Schuyler Fastenau | Athens Messenger reporter
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Countless rides and food stands, four entertainment stages and one town — the 65th annual Parade of the Hills has once again drawn in a fair-sized crown for its summer festivities.
The coordinators have a lot to be proud of what visitors get a chance to experience. Not only are fairgoers able to enjoy Parade of the Hills staples like the Little Miss contest and the Ohio State Fiddling Competition, but also got to hear musical acts like the BeeGees and KISS tribute bands each night.
Although the Historic Square was quiet at noon on Friday, it was merely the calm before the riding storm. The area was full of carnival rides, including the traditional merry-go-rounds, helicopter, tilt-a-whirls and a lot more.
Of course, we were also intrigued by the amount of food available throughout the festival. Anything your heart could desire was laid out before us, including burritos, deep-fried pickles and corn dogs.
At night, the whole area lit up, accentuated by the live music and the smiling faces of the fairgoers around us. It was truly a sight to behold.
And the events continued into Saturday, with the Grande Parade kicking off a final night of festivities. The parade allowed us to take our final assignment as interns as we graces through the crowd passing out newspapers with the reports we have gotten to know.
The Parade of the Hills acted as a way for the Nelsonville community to come together for a final summer celebration while we got to have our final celebration with The Messenger. It has truly been an unforgettable summer for everybody.
With the Hitch Hikers taking the main stage Saturday night, community members will have to wait another year before they get to enjoy these festivities again for the 2015 Parade of the Hills.
Photos by Robin Barnes/WOUB Public Media