By Rapids City Times staff

WISCONSIN RAPIDS – Folks braved the 90-degree heat and heat index values over 100 to take in the Cranberry Blossom Parade in Wisconsin Rapids on June 17.

The parade featured the Lincoln High School marching band, as well as a representation by the University of Wisconsin Badger Band.

Mayor Zach Vruwink was thrilled with another great lineup and turnout for the city’s premier summer event.

“It’s been a beautiful weekend,” he said. “Weather-wise, it mostly cooperated. All of the events were very well attended. It has been very exciting to see so many community members come out and celebrate Cranberry Blossom Festival this year in Wisconsin Rapids. There was really something for everyone this year – all ages and all interests – so that was really exciting.

Vruwink said that his favorite part was the fact that “we’ve got music; we’ve got arts and crafts; we’ve got the parade activity; (and) kids events. We had kids in the park day yesterday, with the Mayor’s Youth Council. I am a bit partial to that one, because our Mayor’s Youth Council pulls that event off; but, all around, so much activity all of the time – which is great.”

The parade traveled along East Grand Avenue over the Grand Avenue Bridge and continued along West Grand Avenue to the former mall parking lot.