By: Meghan Runte and Alex Minella
The Reds Opening Day Parade has been a tradition for the Reds since 1890. Over the years, thousands have experienced this event, including many McNicholas students and staff members.
The parade not only signifies the start of the season, but it brings Cincinnatians together. According to the Findlay Market Parade website, “They welcome nearly every group who wants to join the celebration.” Unlike the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade, this parade is a lot simpler with “a red convertible and pickup truck brigade, with a few modest floats, high school marching bands, and more politicians than roses.” Before Findlay Market was involved with the parade, there was still a smaller parade during Opening Day. The Findlay Market Parade website said, “The first parade had three streetcars: one carried the visiting Chicago team, one carried the Reds, and a marching band filled the third car.”
Senior Billy Meltebrink attended the Reds Opening Day Parade when he was around 5 years old. He said he loved “just seeing all the people and horses.” Meltebrink said he thoroughly enjoyed his experience at the parade, but he doesn’t remember most of what happened while in attendance. He looks forward to attending another opening day game in the future.
Freshman Jacob Cenci attended the opening day game this year. Cenci said he felt “like it’s one of the days the whole city comes together to celebrate one of our home teams.” He also said he enjoyed watching the creative marketing choices used throughout the parade and would love to attend another opening day game.
Freshman Chloe Manderfield was in the Reds Opening Day Parade two years ago in her seventh-grade year with her fourth-grade buddy. Both the fourth and seventh graders dressed as Reds players, and Manderfield was dressed as Pete Rose. Manderfield said, “My favorite part about being in the parade was getting to chant on the Reds.”
Science teacher Mrs. Jessica Mueller attended the Reds Opening Day Parade this year. She watched the parade from Fountain Square. Mueller said, “My favorite part was seeing all the fans come together.” Mueller and her husband do not go to the parade every year. She said they normally just attend the game, which is why this year was so special for her.
Visual media teacher Mrs. Sarah Nestheide has attended the Reds Opening Day Parade about 15 times. She went for the first time in 2011 and has gone ever since. Nestheide said she enjoys the excitement of the community and getting to see old players. Nestheide said, “Traditions are really important to me, and I am instilling that into my own family and my own kids” by attending the opening day game every year possible.
Athletic Facilities and Rocket Shop manager Mr. Drew McMillan went to the Reds opening day game with his grandmother from ages 4 to 25. McMillan said that “the buzz around the city on opening day is so unique and exciting that a parade seems like a natural fit for a day like that.” McMillan loved going to the games with his grandmother and looks forward to continuing the tradition with his kids.
Featured image courtesy of Mrs. Sarah Nestheide.
The McNicholas Milestone 