newsminer.com

FAIRBANKS — Rain or shine — and it’s most likely going to be umbrella weather -— one of Fairbanks’ largest community events will take place this morning.

The Golden Days Grande Parade features more than 100 entries, including local marching bands, martial arts groups, politicians, classic cars, local sporting mascots, dancers and other organizations that will wind their way through downtown Fairbanks beginning at 10 a.m.

“There are no bad seats along the route,” according to parade coordinators at the Greater Fairbanks Chamber of Commerce.

The parade starts at the Carlson Center and heads into downtown along Second Avenue taking a slight detour along Barnette Street. The parade heads back to Second Avenue, which it follows to Noble Street. It will end at around noon at the Noble Street and Airport Way intersection.

Parade spectators should bring their rain gear because rain is likely.

It’s a perfect day for ducks, however.

Along the parade route, spectators can purchase tickets for the annual Rubber Duckie Race at 2:30 p.m. at the Wendell Street Bridge. There, 6,000 rubber duckies will be dropped into the Chena River and float downstream to the finish line near Cushman Street Bridge for a chance to win $20,000 in cash and prizes.

Also today, the Chamber is hosting a street fair from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. on First and Second avenues from Cushman Street to Noble Street.

Food vendors and local retailers, among others will be set up to celebrate Fairbanks Golden Days.

In the evening, the party heads back to Pioneer Park for the Pioneer Mug Up from 6-11 p.m. at the civic center.

The Blues, Brews and Burlesque fundraiser for the Fairbanks Light Opera Theatre begins at 7 p.m. under the tent at Pioneer Park.

For more information on Golden Days Festival events, visit the Chamber of Commerce Web site, www.fairbankschamber.org.