Photographs from the 2014 Cherokee Strip Parade in downtown Enid.
All pics copyright Shaggy Duck Photography 2014.
It was another great parade around the square! The Cherokee Strip parade seems to be the best attended and participated in parade each year. The parade is actually a celebration of the Cherokee Strip Land in 1893 which opened up the Indian Territory for land settlers. Enid, Oklahoma was smack dab in the middle of the land grab especially since there was nearby water and a railroad.
Enid celebrates the anniversary of the Land Run with Cherokee Strip Days which include the Saturday morning parade. Other activities take place all over town throughout the week.
This years parade followed the format much like it has in the past. The Air Force Color Guard led the parade followed by a vehicle which carried the parade judges. Next came the very lovely Waller Princess, Queen and Eaglet Sweetheart, all atop assorted convertibles. Following them were the usual hot rod and classic cars. The Corvette Club makes a strong showing each year with a long line of Corvettes from a wide variety of decades.
What would a parade be without floats? There were several floats throughout the parade, many of them themed with kids depicting the Cherokee Strip days. This years parade also included a few marching bands along with our own Enid High School Big Blue Band! All of the cities bravest were represented from the sheriff's office to the fire department. The military also marched which drew a big round of applause from those lining the streets.
It wouldn't be a Cherokee Strip parade without the Bicycle Parade and Dr. Morehart on his big wheeled bicyle. The Shriners were in their mini cars and the Simpsons rode by on their horses waving to the crowd. Several businesses in town were on hand to throw out candy and greet the many onlookers. Some even came dressed in their mascot outfits.
The clowns were a hit shaking hands and making the kids smile. There were more girls sporting crowns while representing their organizations. The Cub Scouts and Boy Scouts appeared with some great looking box cars and a slew of girls tumbled down the street followed by their gymnastic coaches.
The grand finale of the parade are the well behaved longhorn steers that seem to know exactly where to walk. Somehow they seem to stay in the middle of the road all the way around the square followed by a few riders on horses. Always a fitting end to a great parade!
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