After missing last year due to the cancellation of 89er Days, the parade is back in town on April 17 at noon. The parade has been known to draw people from across the state for the two hour event and is known across the state as the largest and longest running parade in Oklahoma.
The City of Guthrie will start closing off streets on Friday night for the parade and residents along the parade route are reminded to move their cars or risk them being towed away to clear the streets.
The parade will start at noon beginning at the Scottish Rite Temple on Oklahoma Avenue. The parade will be led by the police, the Guthrie Marching Band, 2021 Queen Izzy Mariconda and 2021 Princess Harper LeCluyse.
Due to bridge construction this year on Harrison Ave., the parade will end at Harrison and Division St. The cash awards will be presented to the best floats judged on historical theme, senior floats, junior floats, marching units, round-up, antique, classic, wagons, coaches, clubs and riding groups. The first place winners in both junior and senior float divisions will take home a $750 award, second will get $500 and third place earns $250.
The Shriner cars will be in full force again in 2021. Special guests expected include Governor Kevin Stitt and Lt. Governor Matt Pinnell. 89er queens from past years are always invited back and will be in the parade.
The longhorns are back in 2021, and multiple other marching bands are expected to appear.
Perennial favorites include local marching bands from area schools performing along the route and the fun-filled Shriners who promise to delight young and old alike. Over 300 Shriners from across the state will converge on the streets in a mix of antique cars, motorcycles, go carts, three wheelers and more.
The parade will also feature high-stepping horse teams, various floats from members of the community and parade watchers will also catch glimpses of history going by as old buckboards and wagons roll down the streets of Guthrie once again.
The local fire departments are always well represented, and they close out the parade. You will not want to miss the parade, so bring your blankets and camp chairs and stake out your spot along Oklahoma and Harrison.