Boatnik / Bearfest In Grants Pass Is In Full Swing!

Boatnik / Bearfest In Grants Pass Is In Full Swing!

The Boatnik Memorial Day parade this morning was fantastic; what community spirit!  There were estimates that our small town's population would swell today from 33,000 to over 100,000, and I do believe it has happened!

We have two North-South one way streets in Grants Pass, and one three lane street was closed for the parade. 

These boats will appear in races throughout the weekend, and they were reved high enough to break your eardrums!

The Boatnik Memorial Day parade provided us with over two hours of fun entertainment.

You could tell where the American flag was, as a huge ripple spread down the street of people, rising in respect.  No one had to tell anyone.  This is a very patriotic community, and our Southern Oregon Veterans were honored, and the applause was terrific!

John Wayne was the Grand Marshal; Yes, he's still with us folks down here.

"Grants Pass Godfather," Brady Adams rode with his "Wild Bunch" on their Harley's.

The sculptors who created Brady Adams' "Wild Bunch" bears for Bearfest were here, watching their marvelous artwork draw "amazed applause!"

There were even banners and signs, and an announcer that mentioned our secession movement; "The State of Jefferson."

Don't know where these guys came from, but the 800 pound gorilla and Harvey the "pooka" were just there to watch the parade.

This was really a pleasant morning.

Then, the throngs of people scattered to enjoy our beautiful city.  Thousands gathered at the Boatnik carnival already running at our Riverside Park, that spreads along the majestic Rogue River, which runs through our city center.

There's still plenty of time to enjoy the 2010 Boatnik / Bearfest Memorial Day celebration, so come on down to Riverside Park and join us!