They were continuing a Cincinnati tradition. Every year since 1919, a parade from Findlay Market to the Reds' ballpark has signaled the start of another baseball season. There were no floats, no marching bands. Findlay Market's Opening Day Parade has grown since then. Today's lineup features 157 entrants.
Politicians mingle with zoo animals.
Marching bands set the tempo for floats and Clydesdale horses. No one would be marching without the merchants. They set up the entire parade, from assembling the roster to bagging the parking meters. And, they do it all for free. No government grant or special sales tax pays for the parade.