(Photo Illustration - MetroCreativeConnection)

PARKERSBURG — The Parkersburg Homecoming Parade is slated to begin at 12:30 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 16, on Market Street.

Applications to participate must be submitted by mail and postmarked by Friday, Aug. 8. Forms and instructions are available online at www.parkersburghomecoming.com.

The theme of this year’s parade is “Fun in the Sun.” It will be led by grand marshals Wayne Waldeck and Lee Rector, owners of the Blennerhassett Hotel and recipients of the George Kellenberger Spirit of Homecoming and Volunteer of the Year awards, respectively. They will be escorted by reigning Parkersburg Homecoming royalty.

The parade takes place on the second day of the three-day Parkersburg Homecoming Festival.

Things kick off Friday, Aug. 15, with Kids Fest from 6-8 p.m. inside the floodwall, featuring free inflatables, bounce houses, sand art and face-painting, plus school supply giveaways from the Elks Lodge on a first-come, first-serve basis. Insured Sound and Cledus T. Judd will provide live entertainment.

Saturday brings the 23rd Johnny Staats Bluegrass Festival, plus dachshund races, the Clark Family with the Ohio Valley Opry and fireworks.

Entertainment for Sunday, Aug. 17, includes a gospel sing and special performance from 3M Acoustic.