Fantastic parade kicks off great final day at the Fair

The parade ends with a impromptu street party, the Bubbleman himself, Jim Wildeman can’t help but grin.

I heard it from several people over and over again that the 2012 Willy Street Fair was probably the best in a long time, if not ever. The weather, enthusiasm, and proud traditions combined for a second day as thousands appeared on three blocks of Willy Street to take in music, food, entertainment, and a large amount of vendors.

Almost everyone was raving about the parade, led by the Bubblemobile, that was lively and the probably the largest ever. After the parade had made a lap through the neighborhood it was time for the stretch run down Willy and its traditional finish in the middle of the 900 block; where both parade participants and viewers danced under the balloon banner for an extended period of time.

By noon, all three blocks were filled with people yet it was still easy to move about. A moderate breeze kept temperatures right where they needed to be. Various vendors were lined elbow to elbow for nearly the entire three block stretch of the fair which hasn’t been see in quite a while. The musical acts were well attended and an incredibly diverse Fair audience was seen enjoying the event.

It has been while since I have attended almost every hour of the Fair; but at the end of Sunday I was still down on Willy Street, trying to extend the fun a few more minutes in the fading light. We have two galleries and a few videos that probably best illuminate what has been a incredible final weekend of summer.

Related: See what happened on Saturday (9/15) at the Fair

Related: A look back at how the Willy Street Fair used to be

Related: See photos from Bill Scanlon