Fall Fun Found At 14th Annual Plymouth On Parade

Fourteen years ago the event was started as a way to showcase community businesses, schools, organizations and residents.

The Plymouth City Council at the time wanted a new community celebration during a time of the year when citywide celebrations were hard to come by.

But the work planning the big event starts in the spring, said Alyssa Krumholz, Plymouth Recreation Supervisor.

"We have about a six-month window to get things done," Krumholz said. "This year we have over 30 staff working on the programs and 40 volunteers."

The biggest challenge isn't in the planning, but the logistics of making sure the parade goes off without a hitch on the day.

"Like with any parade you have a lot of different organizations and individuals coming together and it must be timed well," Krumholz said. "Also Plymouth Boulevard is closed off for this time and we have to make sure businesses in the area know and can plan accordingly."

The fun part is finding different, colorful units to make up the parade with ones that are interactive and fun for the whole family, she said.

This year’s parade will feature about 90 parade units and the average range is 80 to 110 parade units that include city services and community businesses, schools (Wayzata High School, Robbinsdale-Armstrong High School, Providence Academy), organizations, politicians and residents.

New to this year's parade is a designated Grand Marshal, which is the military in recognition of both the service those in the military provide and the recent designation of Plymouth as a Beyond the Yellow Ribbon City.

"This is a big family event," Krumholz said. "Last year, even with not great weather, we had over 3,000 people attend. In the past, we've had anywhere from 2,500 to 5,000." 

New events that happen after the parade include Circus Mandanhai, a Mongolian Acrobat and Juggling Troupe that will perform at 2:30 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 24 on the Hilde Small Stage.

Also Home Depot will have an ongoing kid’s workshop where youth can make their own birdhouse. There will also be a temporary tattoo booth, a replica Delorean Time Machine on display, inflatable jump houses and more that will span both the Lifetime Fitness parking lot and onto the park area.

One of the most popular events before the parade is the P, which begins at 9 a.m. and 10 a.m., at Plymouth Fire Station II, 12000 Old Rockford Road.

Race day registration and check in begins at 7:30 a.m. and 5K race entries cost $25. All 5K participants get a long sleeved T-shirt and awards are provided to the top three men and women finishers. Online registration is available (use event No. 1947756). Registration forms are also available at and local running stores.

Also new this year is a spaghetti dinner, which is served at 5:30 p.m. and 7 p.m. Friday, Sept. 23, at the . Tickets cost $8 for 12 and Older, $5 Under 12, and Children under 3 are free. 

Following dinner is the showing of "Megamind" the movie at 7:30 p.m. Friday, Sept. 23, at the Plymouth Creek Center Fieldhouse. This event is free.