A summer tradition in Essex County drew thousands Saturday.
One of Windsor-Essex's biggest summer festival parades traveled the streets of Tecumseh Saturday, the highlight of the 42nd Tecumseh Corn Festival.
The bright-yellow vegetable was well-represented in the many floats of the parade, which began at Tecumseh Town Hall, went down Lesperance Rd, through the historic downtown, then back of Lacasse Blvd before ending at the site of Corn Fest, Lacasse Park.
Several bands performed, including the ubiquitous Windsor Optimist Youth Band. Local sponsors and businesses were represented by floats decked out in a corn motif. The Windsor Spitfires brought along the Memorial Cup as part of the summer-long celebration of their championship.
The festival started Thursday night with the Miss Tecumseh Pageant. Melissa Montaleone was crowned the 2017 winner, while Suzie Sawicki and Sarah Hansen were named the first and second runner up.
Entertainment Saturday night includes children's entertainers Sharon and Bram, Soul Mirrors, Peace Garden, and Brass Transit.
On Sunday, Ty Sharron, and the Eagles tribute band, Hotel California take the stage.
Admission is $3 at the gate, but children 12-years and under are free.
Attractions continue through Saturday night until 1am with midway rides, activities, and a beer tent sponsored by the Knights of Columbus for an additional admission fee.
The festival wraps up at 7pm Sunday.
--with files from Adelle Loiselle--
Tecumseh Corn Festival Parade, August 26, 2017. Photo by Mark Brown/Blackburn News.
Tecumseh Corn Festival Parade, August 26, 2017. Photo by Mark Brown/Blackburn News.
A vehicle for Mix 96.7 participates in the 42nd Tecumseh Corn Festival Parade, August 26, 2017. Photo by Mark Brown/Blackburn News.
Tecumseh Corn Festival Parade, August 26, 2017. Photo by Mark Brown/Blackburn News.
Members of the Windsor Spitfires parade with the Memorial Cup in the Tecumseh Corn Festival Parade, August 26, 2017. Photo by Mark Brown/Blackburn News.