Blossoming again: Parade returns after 2-year hiatus

After a two year delay due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the annual Spring Blossom Parade once again graced the streets of downtown Nashville last weekend.

This year’s parade theme was a salute to baseball and the 30th anniversary of “A League of Their Own.” Baseballs, bats, hats and jerseys were among the festive attire those walking and riding in the parade were wearing — and carrying.

Tractors, Jeeps, bicycles, classic cars and lots of smiling faces carrying signs or walking furry pets made their way from Brown County High School to Jefferson Street before the fun looped back down Van Buren Street on May 7.

Candy was thrown, engines were revved and sirens blared as the community took another step back to normalcy in a post-pandemic life.

Because of their work during the pandemic, Brown County Emergency Management Agency Director Susan Armstrong and Emergency Health Preparedness Coordinator Corey Frost were this year’s parade grand marshals.

Another tradition also returned this year as the Rotary Club of Brown County hosted the children’s games following the parade at the Village Green. The afternoon featured corn hole, egg and balloon tosses with a pie-eating contest grand finale.

Mother’s Cupboard also was back this year to serve up their traditional pulled pork sandwiches for lunch at the Village Green after the parade. Cummins partnered with Mother’s Cupboard to supply the pork. Cummins employees also volunteered at the tent to help serve up the sandwiches. The Nashville House prepared and smoked the pork.

The Spring Blossom Parade has been a favorite outdoor celebration for decades and it has been organized by the Brown County Lions Club since the 1980s.

Floats and participating groups did not receive awards this year as the Brown County Lions Club decided not to have judging as a way to cut volunteers needed for the parade.

The next Brown County Lions Club event will be the annual Independence Day fireworks celebration on Sunday, July 3 at the high school field at dark.

2022 Spring Blossom Parade gallery: