The annual Red, White & Blanchester Blue event held July 3-4 included a parade which lasted for over more than an hour as it made its way through downtown Blanchester and past streets lined with onlookers. The annual event is sponsored by the Blanchester Area Chamber of Commerce.

The festival had 65 vendor booths to browse through, an antique car show, antique tractor show, inflatables and more including live music.

Chamber president Lisa Beach said she was very appreciative of the help given by Lori Byrom, Jim Krusling and Kermit Zimmerman in helping the parade process go smoothly, as well as parade MC Barry Michaelson and co-MC Mary Murphy.

Beach said she would also like to give a shout out to all of the behind the scene people that help add to the success of the event, “such as the Blanchester Police Department, fire department, Blanchester electric & water departments, the mayor and the street department. Not to mention the hours and hours of planning done by chamber board members.”

Kari Dixon, chamber vice president, said the generosity of festival sponsors allowed the chamber to match funds and have the biggest fireworks display ever, and the chamber is in the process of preparing a special “thank you” to honor the sponsors.

Beach said this year’s Fall Festival will take place October 3 at Blanchester High School.

Both of the winners of the LIttle Patriot contest rode in the July 4 parade. Shown, the Little Patriot for the 0 to 18 months age group went to Paisley Kay Fox, 9 months old, of Blanchester.

http://aimmedianetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/22/2015/07/web1_BlanLittlePatriots5.jpgBoth of the winners of the LIttle Patriot contest rode in the July 4 parade. Shown, the Little Patriot for the 0 to 18 months age group went to Paisley Kay Fox, 9 months old, of Blanchester. Courtesy photo

The 19 to 36 month age group winner went to Craig Allen Lannerd, 19 months old, of Blanchester.

http://aimmedianetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/22/2015/07/web1_BlanLittlePatriots6.jpgThe 19 to 36 month age group winner went to Craig Allen Lannerd, 19 months old, of Blanchester. Courtesy photo

Members of the Blanchester Area of Commerce enjoy the results of their hard work. From left are, front, Toni Barnes, Lisa Beach, Leigh Jones, and Kari Dixon and, back, Dorena Scott and Dave Snell.

http://aimmedianetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/22/2015/07/web1_BlanLittlePatriots10.jpgMembers of the Blanchester Area of Commerce enjoy the results of their hard work. From left are, front, Toni Barnes, Lisa Beach, Leigh Jones, and Kari Dixon and, back, Dorena Scott and Dave Snell. Courtesy photo

Dancing in the streets during the Red, White & Blanchester Blue event.

http://aimmedianetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/22/2015/07/web1_BlanLittlePatriots11.jpgDancing in the streets during the Red, White & Blanchester Blue event. Courtesy photo