2019 Grand Marshal

The Findlay Market Association is the proud sponsor of the 100th Opening Day Parade, and with the cooperation of the Cincinnati Reds, is proud to announce the Grand Marshal for this year's parade (start time of noon, from the market).

2019 Findlay Market Parade Grand Marshal - Rob Manfred - Commissioner of Major League Baseball

Robert D. Manfred, Jr. was elected as the 10th Commissioner in the history of Major League Baseball on August 14, 2014 by vote of the 30 Major League Clubs. He officially became the sport's leader on January 25, 2015. Prior to being elected Commissioner, Manfred had served as MLB's Chief Operating Officer since 2013, managing the Commissioner's Office in New York on behalf of Commissioner Allan H. (Bud) Selig. From 1998-2013, Manfred served as Executive Vice President, overseeing labor relations, economics, league affairs and human resources and directing all collective bargaining with the MLBPA.

Parade Ambassador: Johnny Bench - Hall of Fame Class of 1989, NL-MVP 1970 & 1972, 1968 NL-Rookie of the Year, 14x All-Star and 10x Golden Glove.

2019 Reds PitchersCincinnati Reds pitchers: Anthony DeSclafani & Sonny Gray will appear with the Toyota entry (Position #17):

Anthony DeSclafani is going into his 5th year in MLB, his 4th with The Cincinnati Reds.

Sonny Gray is going into his 7th year in MLB, his 1st with The Cincinnati Reds. He was an All-Star in 2015 when he had a 14 and 7 record.

 

 

 

Bootsy Collins with bass guitarBootsy Collins will appear with the King Studios entry (Position #20): Bootsy (born William Collins, October 26, 1951, Cincinnati) is one of the all-time great funk and R&B bassists/singer/bandleader. He formed his first group, the Pacesetters, in 1968, featuring Phelps "Catfish" Collins (his brother; guitar), Frankie "Kash" Waddy (drums), and Philippe Wynne (later of The Spinners fame). From 1969 to 1971, the group functioned as James Brown's backup band and was dubbed the J.B.'s. In 1972, Bootsy joined George Clinton's Parliament/Funkadelic. Collins and Clinton soon established a lifelong personal and musical friendship. He launched Bootsy’s Rubber Band as a spinoff of P-Funk in 1976, the band including his brother Phelps, Waddy (drums), Joel "Razor Sharp" Johnson (keyboards), Gary "Mudbone" Cooper (vocals), and Robert "P-Nut" Johnson (vocals), along with "the Horny Horns". (He was sometimes billed alone as Bootsy, and sometimes as William "Bootsy" Collins.) Bootsy is a member of the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and also a Grammy Award Winner.  Bootsy still resides in Cincinnati and continues to work in the community including preserving the legacy of the King Records Building. 

See Bootsy Collins on youtube: I'd Rather Be With You and Play With Bootsy

 

 Otis WilliamsOtis Williams of Otis Williams and The Charms will appear with the King Studios entry (Position #20). Otis Williams was born and raised in Cincinnati. He attended Withrow High School and graduated in 1954. His band "The Charms" were formed at Withrow High, who went on to great heights, scoring 2 gold records and 9 hits, including "Hearts Made of Stone" and "Ivory Tower". Also along with their King label mates such as Hank Ballard, Little Willie John, the Mascots (later to become the famed O'Jays), the group worked with such artist as Count Basie, Diana Washington, Dizzie Gillespie, Johnny Mathis, Jackie Wilson, The Four Tops, Frankie Avalon, Frankie Valli and many more. Otis was a part of the first all-black Revue to work Carnegie Hall in NY w/the Allen Freed Revue. He wrote Pat Boone’s first popular hit record "Two Hearts Two Kisses", also recorded by Frank Sinatra and Dorris Day.

Otis still performs and does seminars both locally and abroad. Justin Jeffre, of 98 Degrees, is a staunch advocate of the importance of Otis & The Charms and King Records in music history. Otis and his son, Kent, also are working diligently (along with the City of Cincinnati and the University of Xavier) to preserve the rich history of King and educate the public throughout, specifically our youth! At present there is a major movement to save the original King Records bldg., which is at the top of the list on saving its rich heritage for us all.

See Otis Williams on youtube Hearts Made Of Stone and Ivory Tower

Philip Paul with drum sticksPhilip Paul will appear with the King Studios entry (Position #20). Drummer Philip Paul, the 2009 recipient of the Ohio Heritage Fellowship for Performing Arts, played on some of the greatest, most important records ever made including "Good Rockin' Tonight" by Wynonie Harris, "Fever" by Little Willie John, "Hideaway" by Freddie King and "The Twist" by Hank Ballard. All those records were recorded for the legendary Cincinnati record company, King Records, where Paul served as the in-house drummer from 1952 through 1964.  In addition to his extensive session work with King, Paul worked for years as one-third of the Roy Meriwether Trio, recording a pair of albums with Meriwether on Columbia. He also toured with jazz artists including Jimmy Smith, Nat Adderly and Herbie Mann and toured the U.S. and Canada with George Weins Newport Jazz All-Stars.  Philip Paul made his first album as a leader in 2003, the aptly named It's About Time. In 2002, he received a Lifetime CAMMY Award from the Cincinnati Enquirer for his contributions to the music and culture of Cincinnati.

See Philip Paul on youtube Philip Paul on the Twist

 

 

DumboDumbo will appear with The Owens Group for Walt Disney Pictures "Dumbo" entry (Position #25). From Disney and visionary director Tim Burton, the all-new grand live-action adventure "Dumbo" expands on the beloved classic story where differences are celebrated, family is cherished and dreams take flight. Circus owner Max Medici (Danny DeVito) enlists former star Holt Farrier (Colin Farrell) and his children Milly (Nico Parker) and Joe (Finley Hobbins) to care for a newborn elephant whose oversized ears make him a laughingstock in an already struggling circus. But when they discover that Dumbo can fly, the circus makes an incredible comeback, attracting persuasive entrepreneur V.A. Vandevere (Michael Keaton), who recruits the peculiar pachyderm for his newest, larger-than-life entertainment venture, Dreamland. Dumbo soars to new heights alongside a charming and spectacular aerial artist, Colette Marchant (Eva Green), until Holt learns that beneath its shiny veneer, Dreamland is full of dark secrets. Disney, in cooperation with The Owens Group, will have a float featuring a character sculpt of Dumbo to celebrate the opening of the new live-action film. "Dumbo" flies into theaters on March 29, 2019. © 2019 Disney

Dumbo website: www.Disney.com/Dumbo.

 

Marty Brennaman

Marty Brennaman (Cincinnati Reds Announcer) will appear with Richter & Phillips Jewelers entry (Position #29a). Marty Brennaman is a legendary part of the fabric of Cincinnati sports, having been with the Reds since 1974. A 2000 Ford Frick Award winner at the Baseball Hall of Fame, he's been the voice covering three World Series championships in 1975-76 and 1990. Among many other big moments, he was behind the mic when Pete Rose became the all-time hits leader in 1985, when Tom Browning threw a perfect game in '88, and for Tom Seaver's no-hitter in 1978 and Ken Griffey Jr.'s 500th and 600th career home runs in 2004 and '08. For 31 of his seasons, Brennaman was joined at the hip with partner Joe Nuxhall, and the two were synonymous with one another for fans. Nuxhall retired after the 2004 season. Brennaman will be retiring from the microphone after the 2019 season, but will continue working with the club in other roles for years to come. Marty will be riding with his wife Amanda and Mr. Fehr (eldest owner of Richter & Phillips Jewelers) in a 1976 450 SL Mercedes convertible.

 

 

 

Anthony MunozAnthony Munoz will appear with the Anthony Munoz Foundation entry (Position #42). First-round draft pick by Cincinnati Bengals and third overall pick in 1980, Anthony played 13 seasons with the Bengals (1980-1992) and was enshrined in the Hall of Fame in 1998.  He was named NFL’s Man of the Year in 1991, and his career as an All-Pro lineman earned him membership on the NFL’s 75th Anniversary All-Time Team in 1994.  In 2010, he was ranked No. 12 on the NFL Network's Top 100 players list and was the highest-ranked offensive lineman.  In 2002, Anthony created the non-profit Anthony Muñoz Foundation, which works with Greater Cincinnati youth impacting them mentally, physically and spiritually.  Since its inception, the Foundation has raised over $13 million for youth programs. In 2017, in celebration of its 50th anniversary, Anthony was recognized by the Cincinnati Bengals as the No. 1 Bengal as voted on by fans and media.

Anthony and his wife Dede have two children, Michael (wife, Emily) and Michelle (husband, Luke Trenz), and 11 grandchildren.  He is a true family man, who also stays active in the community, sharing his persistent message to overcome adversity and give back.  The former Cincinnati Bengals star has logged two decades of high-profile charitable work and youth advocacy since retiring from the game in 1992.  A true hometown hero, Anthony continues to give his time and dedication to serving the youth of Greater Cincinnati.  For more information, visit the Anthony Munoz Foundation's website: www.munozfoundation.org.

 

Grave DiggerGrave Digger will appear with the Feld Entertainment, Inc. - Monster Jam entry (Position #51). 

Dennis Anderson came up with the concept for Grave Digger back in 1981. Originally built out of an old 1957 Chevy Panel Wagon and parts that he scrounged from junkyards, Grave Digger as of today has grown by leaps and bounds. No longer do the trademark red headlights come off of old school buses, and the paint job has changed from a dull orange to the famous green and black flame motif we see today. Grave Digger is one of the most decorated Monster Jam trucks in the world.

Monster Jam features world-class male and female athletes competing in the same events for the same championships on the same perfectly engineered dirt tracks that push these ever-evolving, state-of-the-art trucks to the limit. Beyond live events, the Monster Jam brand extends off the track into the home through products, content and merchandise that keeps the fun alive year-round. For more information, visit monsterjam.com.

Grave Digger driver and 2018 Monster Jam Rookie of the Year, Brandon Vinson, will make his Cincinnati debut at U.S. Bank Arena, March 30-31.

 

Ron Oester

Ron Oester will appear with Belterra Park entry (Position #53). A Cincinnati native and 1974 graduate of Withrow High School, second baseman Ron Oester played his 17-year professional baseball career in the Cincinnati Reds organization, including 13 years at the Major League level. Selected by the Reds in the ninth round of the 1974 amateur draft, Oester made his Major League debut in 1978 and began making regular appearances in the Reds lineup in 1980 when he appeared in 100 games and finished fourth in voting for the National League Rookie of the Year Award. In 1981, Oester enjoyed the first of six consecutive seasons as the Reds starting second baseman, a streak that was interrupted by a major knee injury he suffered in July of 1987. He won Major League Baseball's Hutch Award in 1988 after his successful return to the Reds everyday lineup. In his final season in 1990, Oester was a key player off the bench during the Reds World Championship season and scored the winning run in the Reds pennant-clinching game over the Pirates in Game 6 of the 1990 NLCS. After his playing career, Oester spent six seasons with the Reds as a Major League coach. He remains a Cincinnati resident.

 

 

Tyler Childers will appear with Washington Park Roots Revival Thursdays (Position #55). Like many great Southern storytellers, singer-songwriter Tyler Childers has fallen in love with a place. The people, landmarks and legendary moments from his childhood home of Lawrence County, Kentucky, populate the 10 songs in his formidable debut, Purgatory, an album that's simultaneously modern and as ancient as the Appalachian Mountains in which events unfold.

"I was writing an album about being in the mountains," Childers said. "I wanted it to have that gritty mountain sound. But at the same time, I wanted a more modern version of it that a younger generation can listen to—the people I grew up with, something I’d want to listen to."

Tyler Childers (tylerchildersmusic.com) will be playing to three Sold Out shows at the Madison Theater in Covington, KY on March 25, 27, & 28th.

See Tyler Childers on youtube Feathered Indians and Whitehouse Road

 

Clydesdale LogoThe world-famous Budweiser Clydesdales, will appear with the Anheuser-Busch entry (Position #68).  The world-famous Budweiser Clydesdales, the symbol of quality and tradition for Anheuser-Busch since 1933. The eight-horse hitch will be harnessed and hitched to the famous red beer wagon at Findlay Market. The "Gentle Giants", as they are often referred to, will participate in the Findlay Market Parade.

Canadians of Scottish descent brought the first Clydesdales to America in the mid-1800's. Today, the giant draft horses are used primarily for breeding and show. Horses chosen for the Budweiser Clydesdale hitch must be at least three years of age, stand approximately 18 hands – or six feet – at the shoulder, weigh an average of 2,000 pounds, must be bay in color, have four white legs, and a blaze of white on the face and black mane and tail. A gentle temperament is very important as hitch horses meet millions of people each year. A single Clydesdale hitch horse will consume as much as 20-25 quarts of feed, 40-50 pounds of hay and 30 gallons of water per day.  Each hitch travels with a Dalmatian. In the early days of brewing, Dalmatians were bred and trained to protect the horses and guard the wagon when the driver went inside to make deliveries.

The Budweiser Clydesdales can be viewed at the Anheuser-Busch breweries in St. Louis, Mo.; Merrimack, N.H.; and Ft. Collins, Colo. They also may be viewed at Grant's Farm in St. Louis and at Warm Springs Ranch, the 300-plus acre Clydesdale breeding farm located near Boonville, Mo.

Jason Kiley (pictured), Taxi Phil and Stephen Casper will appear with Cincinnati Beard Barons entry (Position #69). Jason Kiley represents Remington Beard Boss, won Best Freestyle Beard and then named Best in Show at the World Championships, making it the Best Beard in the World! Taxi Phil placed 3rd in freestyle moustache and Stephen Casper placed 3rd in natural Sideburns as General Burnside at the World Championships. The 2017 WBMC was held in Austin, Texas in September. See Jason on Youtube and also see Results of competition.

The Cincinnati Beard Barons will host the Big Whisker Revival at Southgate House on Sept 28th to raise money for the Barracks Project, which helps honorably discharged veterans reintegrate back into the civilian community. And Stepping Stones, has been helping people with disabilities find pathways to independence that improve their lives and enable them to be more fully participating members of their communities. Cincinnati Beard Barons has raised over $16,000 the past 2 years.

WCPO's Clyde Gray will live stream from the Cincinnati Beard Barons entry.  Watch here: CincyLifestyle

 

Tom BrowningTom Browning will appear with the Opening Day Gang (#71). Tom Browning, the Cincinnati Reds' ninth-round pick in 1982, went 20-9 in 1985 to become the first major-league rookie to win 20 games in 31 years. Tom posted double-digit win totals from 1985-'91, and on Sept. 16, 1988, pitched the only perfect game in Reds history. During Cincinnati's championship season in 1990, Tom won 15 regular-season games and picked up pivotal victories in Game 2 of the NLCS and Game 3 of the Reds' World Series sweep of the heavily favored Oakland A's. In 1991 he was named an NL All-Star after a 10-4 start to the season. Tom's career was ultimately cut short when he broke his arm delivering a pitch in 1994. He finished his career with a 123-90 record, 3.94 ERA and 1,000 strikeouts. In December 2005, he led fan balloting wire-to-wire to earn a 2006 induction into the Reds Hall of Fame. His book, "Tom Browning's Tales from the Reds Dugout", debuted in March 2006 and chronicles and his entire career.

 

 

 

Scott WilliamsonScott Williamson will appear with the Opening Day Gang (#71). In 1997,Oklahoma State’s pitcher Scott Williamson was drafted by the Cincinnati Reds in the 9th round. Scott soared through the Reds Organization, going from Rookie Ball in 1997, to starting the next year in AA and finally ending up in AAA the same year. The following year, on April 5, 1999, Scott made his major league debut with the Cincinnati Reds. He was voted to the 1999 All Star Team, named 1999 Rookie of the Year, and finished the season with 12 wins, 19 saves, and era 2.41 as a relief pitcher. In 2003, Scott was traded to the Boston Red Sox and ended up setting Red Sox record for 3 saves in the ALCS. In 2004, Scott and the Red Sox went on to break the infamous 86 year curse of the Bambino, and to become 2004 World Series Champions. Scott went on to play for the Cubs, Padres, and Orioles. Scott’s passion for the game continues as he spends his time working with kids in the Greater Cincinnati area helping them develop there baseball and life skills. When presented with the opportunity to be involved in a Foundation that is named for man who meant so much to him as a player and a person, Joe Nuxhall Miracle League, Scott didn’t hesitate to jump aboard and portrayed the same excitement as if he was winning the World Series again. With all of his accomplishments and rewards that he earned in his career, none of them would even equal, the one of him being an instrumental part of one of the Miracle Leaguer lives. Scott continues to live in Cincinnati along with his wife Lisa, and children Reece and Cambrie.

 

Bucky & Lucy

Bucky & Lucy will appear with Miami Valley Gaming entry (Position #143).
Lucy – Buckeye Inspector - Just add a 'k' to 'Lucy' and you have all you need to know about her driving force. As the newest recruit, and the third official member of the Lucky Buckeye Co., 'Lucky' is in her DNA. She's a graduate of the prestigious Ohio State Buckeye finishing school and has won multiple awards in the categories of Buckeye Handling, Buckeye Whispering and, recently, Most Meticulously Inspected Buckeye. When she's not inspecting Buckeyes, Lucy enjoys macramé and big game hunting.
Bucky – Buckeye Farmer - Though not technically a full-time Lucky Buckeye Co. employee, Bucky is an essential cog in the growing luck industry and a key supplier in the Buckeye supply chain. His Buckeye farming pedigree traces it's lineage back to the very first Buckeye farmers in Ohio – who, at the time, harvested buckeyes simply to throw at each other. When he's not farming or delivering Buckeyes, Bucky still very much enjoys throwing Buckeyes into open fields.

See them on youtube: Bucky the Farmer & Giddy Up

 

 

Other special guestOther special guest;

Mike DeWine 70th governor of Ohio (Position #19)

Chris Welsh retired MLB baseball pitcher and current Fox Sports Net Ohio Announcer - Fox Sports Net Ohio(Position #29b)

Jim Scott (Cincinnati radio legend - 700 WLW) - The Kroger Co.(Position #81)

Woody Williams, oldest living Medal of Honor recipient, only surviving IWO JIMA medal of honor recipient - Freddy's Frozen Custard and Steakburgers (Position #146)

Girl Pop (Ashley Martin) - Peterbilt of Cincinnati(Position #177)

  

Reds Rally PackWatch for The Scott's Reds Rally Pack and The Reds Mascots: Gapper, Rosie Red, Mr. Red and Mr. Redlegs! Rosie Red. The Rally pack with the Mascots.   The Scott's Reds Rally Pack has participated in the Opening Day Parade for the last 14 years.  At Great American Ball Park they are responsible for spreading joy, and free tee shirts, to fans throughout the season.

 

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