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Lebanon carriage parade twice on Saturday

Kathleen Girgis of Waynesville fastens on Thursday, Nov. 19, the harness of her horse, Dandy, while her daughter, Arielle, watches. Dandy, a white-and tan-miniature horse, will participate in the 21st annual Lebanon Horse-Drawn Carriage Parade.

Apryl Pilolli/Staff photographer Kathleen Girgis of Waynesville fastens on Thursday, Nov. 19, the harness of her horse, Dandy, while her daughter, Arielle, watches. Dandy, a white-and tan-miniature horse, will participate in the 21st annual Lebanon Horse-Drawn Carriage Parade.

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Nancy Jackson of Maineville holds the reins Tuesday, Nov. 24, of her horse, Buck, a 21-year-old white Percheron. Buck and more than 130 other horses will be the center of attention during the 21st annual Lebanon Horse Drawn Carriage Parade. Staff photo by Apryl Pilolli

Apryl Pilolli/Staff photographer Nancy Jackson of Maineville holds the reins Tuesday, Nov. 24, of her horse, Buck, a 21-year-old white Percheron. Buck and more than 130 other horses will be the center of attention during the 21st annual Lebanon Horse Drawn Carriage Parade. Staff photo by Apryl Pilolli

More than 130 horse-drawn carriages part of two parades

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By Justin McClelland, Staff Writer Updated 11:24 AM Thursday, December 3, 2009

Buck, a 21-year-old white Percheron, is typically lax about his appearance. But when the weather turns chilly and his masters begin cleaning out his carriage, Buck knows it’s time to have a bath, get his mane brushed and get in shape for the Lebanon Horse-Drawn Carriage Parade.

“He thinks everybody comes to see him,” said Buck’s owner, Nancy Jackson of Maineville.

Buck and his equine brethren will be the center of attention as hooves clap and carriages roll through downtown Lebanon during the 21st annual parade.

The parade is held twice, at 1 and 7 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 5, along Broadway in downtown Lebanon. More than 130 horse-drawn carriages will roll in the two parades, which last year drew 80,000 people, according to the Lebanon Area Chamber of Commerce. The parade attracts horses and carriages from several states and is one of the largest of its type in the country.

The parade is open to horses of all sizes. Dandy, a white-and-tan miniature horse, is gearing up for his second parade. He participated four years ago, but is ready to get back on the road.

“He’s an old soul,” said his owner/driver, Kathleen Girgis of Waynesville. “I’m sure he knows it’s important.”

Girgis and her daughter Arielle, 5, will ride in a two-wheel, open-top carriage decorated with tinsel, garland and Christmas lights.

“We had to put on lots of bells so people could hear it,” said Arielle, who attends Incarnation preschool.

Jackson, who is a self-described “carriage-addict,” will be pulled in a four-wheel antique sedan with a canopy top that her husband and footman, Steve Cox, purchased.

The key concern for drivers of all horses, big or small, is staying warm during the often chilly temperatures.

Both Girgis and Jackson said they will come equipped with heavy coats and blankets to insulate themselves.

“Lebanon’s is the best parade we’ve ever been in,” Jackson said. “It’s a special location, and when the historic buildings are lit up at night, it’s incredible.”

How to go

What: Lebanon Horse-Drawn Carriage Parade
When: 1 and 7 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 5
Where: Downtown Lebanon

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I have to imagine this is going to be affected by the fire that killed all the horses at the race track. Please update this as soon as you know.
Thank you.

WF
9:27 AM, 12/5/2009

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same old boring horse crap!!!

ooooboy
10:46 AM, 12/3/2009

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