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Tot Wheels Celebrates 50 Years At Valley of the Flowers Festival
Story and Photos By Nichole Richardson
The annual Valley of Flower’s “Tot Wheels Parade” went off without a hitch on Saturday. This year’s theme was entitled: Tot Wheels Celebrates 50 Years of the Valley of Flowers Festival.
Children and parents alike enjoyed participating in the fun-filled free event, which included clowns by “Cookie Clown Company, Magicians and More.”
Children up to age six came out with their best decorated strollers, wagons, and bicycles. Contestants were divided into two categories: 0-3 years and 4-6 years and judging was based on a combination of traits such as originality, curb appeal and colorfulness, miscellaneous, and best interpretation of the parade theme.
The judging was done by three high school students from the Florissant Youth Advisory Council for each category and the units with the highest numbers won the titles of first, second, and honorable mention.
First place for three and under went to Roderick Eldred (parent: Lisa Eldred) for his nursery rhyme “Row Your Boat” inspired float. Second place went to Hallee and Mareena Inman (parent: Doug Inman) and honorable mention went to Zachary Richardson (parent: Gayle Richardson).
First place for four to six went to Corina Baker (parent: Regina Baker) for her “Florissant Salutes International Youth” themed float. Catalina Eldred (parent: Lisa Eldred) took second place while honorable mention went to Walter Torres (parent: Jane Torres).
Prizes for first and second place included a plaque, tickets to the Eagan Center Theater, and a check for $25 or $50. Honorable mentions received a yellow ribbon, tickets to the theater, and a certificate. All participants got a gift bag, cookies, and light refreshments.
Although there were only six technical winners, Karen Robinson, who was in charge of the parade, made every child feel as though they were a winner as well. She has been heading the VOF children’s parade for six years or so and was also in charge of many parades when she lived in Virginia.
“When I came in to the community I knew I wanted to be involved,” explained Robinson, “And I love children!” This is old hat to her, as she’s handled bigger parades such as the Virginia Beach Neptune Festival “Parade of Nations” salute to NATO and the Grand Illumination Parade which had over 3000 parade participants.
While the parade was the main feature, “Cookie” the clown (Ida Bowles) was a close second along with “Brownie” the clown (Ida’s granddaughter Shelly Kramer). The colorful duo entertained kids and guests with their novelties and red Clifford the Dog puppet.
“I am a substitute teacher for the Special School District so I absolutely love kids and the tot parade. I’m intrigued by the different little floats,” said Bowles. The pair are regular performers for Florissant festivities, including the Fall Festival and the Christmas Walk. Overall, this year’s parade was a big success along with the many other children’s activities hosted by the Eagan Center.
