Along with the parade, there will be an umbrella contest which will challenge the creativity of the participants. Contest judges will be looking for creativity, originality, and craftsmanship when they award $250 in prizes for best in parade, largest umbrella, and children’s umbrellas.

Judges for this inaugural event include City of Forks Mayor Nedra Reed; Superintendent of Quillayute Valley School District, Frank Walter; President of Forks Chamber of Commerce, Ed Murphy; and President of West Olympic Council for the Arts, Amy Johnson.

Prior to the parade, children with umbrellas are invited to a free umbrella decorating workshop which will be held from 9 to 11 a.m. at the Peninsula College Forks Extension Site. The parade will begin at 11:30 a.m. in the parking lot behind Peninsula College. The parade route will lead to the Forks High School Commons where prizes will be awarded at 1 p.m..

Business sponsors of the Tournament of Umbrellas Parade include Bank of America, KVAC/KLLM West End Radio, and Pampurred Pet Care. Through a partnership with West End Radio, a cash donation will be made to the Umbrella Parade for every RainFest advertising package that is purchased. Contact West End Radio at (360) 374-6233.

Detailed parade information and contest entry forms may be found in Forks at Chinook Pharmacy, Forks Building Supply, Forks Thrifty Mart, Olympic Graphic Arts, True Value Hardware, or on the official RainFest event Web site at http://www.forkswa.com/rainfest.

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