#210: The Enshrinement Festival & Grand Parade

Some things don't last forever: College Football Hall of Fame is slated to leave South Bend.  This is all the more reason you should come out to Enshrinement Festival Grand Parade, before the museum (and associated festivities) relocates to Atlanta, George in 2013. 

If you have never attended the festival, here are some other reasons to see what this weekend is all about:

• the chance to see football greats Desmond Howard, Mark Herrmann, Barry Alvarez and Gene Stallings, and all others who are being enshrined in the Hall of Fame
• 100 units in Saturday morning's parade, including giant helium balloons, fabulous floats featuring this years class of Hall of Famers, marching bands, antique vehicles and specialty units ( if standing in the sun is a deterrant, there are bleachers set up on the parade route)
• five dollar entry to the FanFest, which offers autograph opportunities and a clinic for the kids, as well as the ability to see the presentation of the official enshrinement blazers at noon
• a simple reason to come downtown, support local businesses, and spend some time enjoying the lovely summer weather

And although the event has passed, all day yesterday, there was a ribs cookoff and downtown block party.  Put it on your calendar for next year, the last year the festival will be held.

A view from last year's festival (Photo credit SB On)

For all event details check out the Enshrinement Website at http://www.enshrinementfestival.org/.  Today's parade starts at 9:30am and the festivities continue all day.