This year’s fair parade was nothing short of entertaining. The parade marked the end of the 85th Annual Chelsea Community Fair.

Long-time resident of Chelsea, Mary Oesterle, has been watching the parade since she was very young. Her home, located on Middle Street, has been in the family for many generations. Her favorite part of the parade has always been the candy.

Sumner Oesterle watches the parade every year and enjoys seeing the classic cars. When he was a kid he used to ride in an old Pontiac with his Dad.

For many, the parade is a Chelsea tradition. Every year, families get together to watch and celebrate the end of the fair and summer. Children bring their own bags and line the streets to collect candy, frisbees and flyers from local organizations, businesses and churches.

This year, Chelsea Mayor Jane Pacheco was featured towards the beginning, along with newly crowned fair queen Libby Wacker. Not far behind was the Chelsea High School marching band.

The parade is a great opportunity for community members to represent their cause and reach out to onlookers. I, personally, always enjoy seeing my teachers walking by with the school bus not far behind.  

Another crowd favorite is the Chelsea House Orchestra. Playing selections from their current fiddle repertoire, the high school group never fails to impress the crowd with their tunes.

Concluding the fair parade was everyone’s favorite float featuring Jiffy Mixes. If you have ever been to the parade, you know how exciting it is to be offered a box of Jiffy. Nothing says Chelsea quite like a box of Jiffy Mix.

This year’s parade was fantastic! There was plenty to enjoy and no shortage of candy.