Pioneer Day Parade features local riders
by May 28, 2011 9:09 pm 91 views
story and photos by Brittany Ransom
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Beginning at the historic Crawford County Courthouse, people lined the streets to watch the 2011 Van Buren Pioneers Day Parade on Saturday (May 28). The event helped mark the official start of the 78th annual Old Fort Days Rodeo in Fort Smith.
Sponsored by the Crawford County Sheriff’s Department Mounted Patrol, the parade featured a number of different riding clubs and individual rodeo enthusiasts. The famous Old Fort Days Dandies and rodeo royalty also took part in the parade this year. Horses rode up historic Main Street through downtown Van Buren towards the newly opened city library at the 1500 block of East Main.
This year’s parade included a number of classic cars and several local pageant title holders. Among the winners were Tiny Miss Princesses, Teen Queens and even Miss University of Arkansas at Fort Smith Sarah Davis.
Families came out to enjoy the beautiful weather and to take part in the festivities. Parade goers could be seen finding shade near downtown businesses and gathered up at the train depot. Children anxiously waited for candy and goodies to be tossed their way by the passing cars.
The event not only marks the start of Memorial Day weekend, but helps kick-off the Old Fort Days Rodeo, which hosts its big Grand Entry on Monday (May 30). The rodeo, held at Kay Rodgers Park in Fort Smith, will run through Saturday, June 4.
