The 2020 parade was canceled due to the corona virus out break.

The Findlay Market Association is the proud sponsor of the 101st 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).

2020 Findlay Market Parade Grand Marshal - Marty Brennaman

Marty Brennaman was a broadcaster for 55 seasons, including 46 in Cincinnati as the voice of the Reds on Radio. He retired following the 2019 season. Brennaman joined the Reds radio team in 1974 and for 31 seasons (1974-2004) shared the 700 WLW Radio booth with Reds Hall of Fame pitcher Joe Nuxhall. Brennaman is only the eighth Major League Baseball broadcaster to work for the same team for at least 46 seasons. At 31 years together, Marty & Joe tied LA’s Vin Scully and Jerry Doggett for the longest running broadcast duo in baseball history. Brennaman received the Ford C. Frick Award on July 23, 2000, in ceremonies at the National Baseball Hall of Fame in Cooperstown, New York. The award is presented each year by the Hall of Fame to a broadcaster "for major contributions to the game of baseball." Brennaman has been named Ohio Sportscaster of the Year 17 times, most recently in 2018. He also has broadcast games during the NCAA's men’s basketball tournament, including 15 regional tournaments and 11 Final Fours. On May 2, 2005 he was inducted into the National Sportscasters and Sportswriters Association Hall of Fame in Salisbury, NC. On November 5, 2005 he was inducted into the National Radio Hall of Fame in Chicago. In 2009 he was selected by the American Sportscasters Association as one of the Top 50 broadcasters of all time. In January 2013, he received the Tom Hammond Lifetime Achievement Award for Sports Broadcasting, presented by the Bluegrass Sports Commission in Lexington, Ky.

His son, Thom, also is a Reds broadcaster. Marty's wife's name is Amanda. He has 2 daughters, Dawn and Ashley, and 7 grandchildren, Dylan & Cal Venerus, Ella Mae & Luke Brennaman, Aidan & Tanner Shirley and Grace Koch.

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We are hoping to bring together the Cincinnati Olympians that had committed to the 2020 parade, listed below, for the 2022 Parade.

Cincinnati Olympian Float (11 Medalist winning: 11 Gold, 3 Silver and 2 Bronze)

Jerry Lucas - Gold 1960 Rome - Basketball, NBA HOF & Former Member of Cincinnati Royals

Bob Schul - Gold 1964 Tokyo - Men's 5,000 meters

George Wilson - Gold at 1964 Tokyo - Basketball - Former Member of Cincinnati Royals

Jenny Kemp - Gold at 1972 Munich - Swimming - 4×100-meter freestyle relay

Darrell Pace - 2 Gold (1976 Montreal, 1984 LA), 1 Silver (1988 Seoul) - Archery

Joe Hudepohl - Gold 1996 Atlanta; Gold & Bronze 1992 Barcelona - Swimming

Amanda Borden-Cochran - Gold 1996 Atlanta Gymnastics (Member of Magnificent Seven)

Jaycie Phelps-Marus - Gold 1996 Atlanta Gymnastics (Member of Magnificent Seven)

Mary Wineberg - Gold at 2008 Beijing for US Track: 4X400-meter relay

David Payne - Silver 2008 Beijing - 110 m hurdles

Nick Goepper - Silver 2018 Pyeongchang; Bronze 2014 Sochi - Freestyle Skiing

Full bios coming soon!!!!

 

 

 

 

EmiSunshine will appear with the Peterbilt of Cincinnati entry (#24). Rolling Stone named 15-year-old EmiSunshine among "10 new country artists you need to know." Known for her powerful voice, masterful ukulele playing and brilliant lyrics, the East Tennessee native has been attracting national attention since she was 9 years old, with appearances on "The Today Show," NBC's "Little Big Shots," "Song of the Mountains," "WoodSongs Old-Time Radio Hour," the Grand Ole Opry and elsewhere. In 2018, she was featured in the Grammy-nominated Elvis Presley documentary "The King," for which she wrote and performed two original songs. Her latest album, "Family Wars," has received critical acclaim from American Songwriter, No Depression, Country Standard Time, Country Music People and more. Information about EmiSunshine is available at TheEmiSunshine.com.

See EmiSunshine on youtube: "90 Miles" from the album Ragged Dreams. With The Rain at The Hi-Fi in Indianapolis "Crimson Moon". EmiSunshine fills the back seat of Elvis Presley's 1963 Rolls-Royce with her larger-than-life voice while cruising through Nashville, Tennessee in "Johnny June and Jesus".

See EmiSunshine live in concert
- 3/27/2020, at 8:30 p.m: The Ludlow Garage, Cincinnati

 

Anthony Munoz will appear with the Anthony Munoz Foundation entry (#39). First-round draft pick by Cincinnati Bengals and third overall pick in 1980, Anthony played 11 years in the NFL 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 $11 million for youth programs.

Anthony and his wife Dede have two children, Michael (wife, Emily) and Michelle (husband, Luke Trenz), and 8 grandchildren, all living in the Cincinnati area.  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 Muñoz Foundation's website: www.munozfoundation.org.

 

Megalodon will appear with the Feld Entertainment, Inc. - Monster Jam entry (Position #55). From the oceans of the pre-historic dark comes the Monster Jam® version of one of the most powerful predators in history: Megalodon! This giant shark (fossil remains suggest a length of 59 feet/18 meters) concept was developed into a Monster Jam truck in 2016. The newest member of the family of Monster Jam beasts, which features foam fins to create a life-like shark wiggle on the track, Megalodon was an instant success in Monster Jam competition, winning the 2017 Monster Jam Triple Threat SeriesTM Central points championship and has quickly become a favorite at pit parties where fans of all ages enjoy getting an up close look at this menacing Monster Jam truck.

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.

Megalodon driver and 2018 Monster Jam Triple Threat Series East Champion, Justin Sipes, returns to Cincinnati at Heritage Bank Center, March 28-29 -- Get Tickets Now.

 

Bootsy Collins will appear with the King Studios entry (Position #60): 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 Williams of Otis Williams and The Charms will appear with the King Studios entry (Position #60). 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 will appear with the King Studios entry (Position #60). 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

 

 

Ron Oester will appear with Belterra Park Cincinnati (#71). 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.

 

 

Patrick Fette (pictured), Taxi Phil and Stephen Casper will appear with Cincinnati Beard Barons entry (Position #78). Patrick Fette is the American Record Holder for most first place finishes at the World Beard and Mustache Championships. Patrick has been growing his award winning mustache for the past eight years and has been competing in mustache competitions all over the world for almost as long. His four World Titles have come in the English Mustache category, which is defined as, "Slender. The hairs extend outward from the middle of the upper lip. The tips may be slightly raised. Patrick Fette is the American Record Holder for most first place finishes at the World Beard and Mustache Championships. Patrick has been growing his award winning mustache for the past eight years and has been competing in mustache competitions all over the world for almost as long. His four World Titles have come in the English Mustache category, which is defined as, "Slender. The hairs extend outward from the middle of the upper lip. The tips may be slightly raised. Norman Goins won Best Groomed at the 2019 National Beard and Moustache Competition, Steve Casper finished 2nd in Natural Sideburns/Chops

The Cincinnati Beard Barons will host the Big Whisker Revival at Southgate House on Sept 19th 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 $24,000 the past 3 years.

WCPO's Clyde Gray will live stream from the Cincinnati Beard Barons entry. Watch here: CincyLifestyle *Photo credit Greg Anderson Photography

Greg Steward - 1988 Seoul & 1992 Barcelona - Flatwater Canoeing will appear with the Cincinnati Beard Barons (Position #78) Greg Steward was born in Cincinnati and graduated from Williamsburg High School. He started marathon canoe racing in 1973 and won his first race in Milford, Ohio on the Little Miami River. This began a long career of racing canoes & kayaks in Marathon, Whitewater, and Olympic Flatwater Sprint racing. In addition to competing in the 1988 and 1992 Olympics he also qualified and raced in the 86, 87, & 89 World Championships. In 1991 he placed 4 th in the C1 500-meter race in the Pan-Am Games held in Havana, Cuba. He also enjoyed competing in many international regattas while traveling in Europe. Greg received the following in the 1988 US Canoe/Kayak National Championships: C1 500 meter National Champion & C1 1000 meter Silver Medalist and then in 1992 US Canoe/Kayak National Championships: C1 1000 meter National Champion, C4 1000 meter National Champion & C1 500 meter Silver Medalist. As an employee of the US Postal Service Greg spoke at events across the country from 1989-1992 promoting the Postal Service's worldwide sponsorship of the 1992 Olympic Games. Greg continues to work for the Postal Service as a rural letter carrier, and lives in Montgomery, Ohio with his wife and two daughters.

 

 

Kim Rhodenbaugh Lewallen - 1984 Olympics Los Angeles - Swimming will appear with the Wieland Builders entry (Position #79) Kim was born in Cincinnati and was an Oak Hills High School graduate. At Oak Hills High School she recorded five national breaststroke titles, including setting the Ohio state record in the 200 IM (Individual Medley) and the National record in the 100 breaststroke at the 1982 State Meet. Also in 1982, she competed in the World Aquatics Championships in Guayaquil, Ecuador, winning Silver Medals in both the 100m breaststroke & the 4x100m medley relay. The following year she competed in the 1983 Pan Pacific Games in Toyko, Japan. There she would win Gold in the 4x100m medley relay and also picking up a Silver medal in the 100m breaststroke and Bronze in the 200m breaststroke. She had a near repeat performance in the 1983 Pan American Games in Venezuela. Gold in the 4x100m medley relay, Bronze in both the 100m breaststroke and the 200m breaststroke. In the 1984 Los Angeles Olympics, she represented the United States in the 200m breaststroke finishing 8th. She went on to swim competitively at the University of Texas. As a Longhorn, she continued her winning ways becoming a three-time NCAA Champion from 1985-87. In 1987 she joined the World University Games, and captured Gold in the 4x100m medley relay as the US team captain. Also in 1987, she appeared on the cover of a Wheaties cereal box, honoring her national breaststroke titles. In 1989, she received her Bachelor of Science in Speech Communications. Kim is married to Nolan Lewallen and together they have 7 children and 4 grandchildren. Kim coached and taught swimming for close to 30 years and is currently and motivational speaker and writer.

 

John Rost - 1984 Olympics Los Angeles - Air Rifle, 10m will appear with LCNB National Bank entry (Position #80) John was born in Cincinnati and was an Indian Hill graduate. John attended West Virginia University where he won NCAA titles, going undefeated, in 1981 & 1982 in the individual event of Air Rifle. He also earned NCAA All-American status four times, from 1979 through 1982 in rifle shooting. In 1989, he received his Bachelor of Finance from West Virginia University. John Rost is now the Senior Vice President at LCNB National Bank.

 

 

 

 

Tom Browning will appear with Tillamook County Creamery (#00). 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.

 

 

 

Willy Tea Taylor will appear with Washington Park American Roots Series entry (#136).  Willy Tea Taylor grew up in Oakdale, CA. Known as the "Cowboy Capital of the World", Oakdale is still Willy’s home and the setting for many of his songs.  Despite coming from a long line of cattlemen – Willy’s first love was baseball. As a catcher, he had a gift for the nuances of calling a game from behind the plate. When a knee injury ended his ability to catch, Willy turned his attention to music.

On his new release Knuckleball Prime, Willy received support from greats like Benmont Tench (Tom Petty & the Heartbreakers), Greg Leisz (Bruce Springsteen, Eric Clapton), and Gabe Witcher and Noam Pikelny of the Punch Brothers. Of the album’s title, Taylor says "most baseball players peak in their twenties, but knuckleball pitchers tend to blossom in their late thirties and early forties. I’m staring down my knuckleball prime."

See Willy Tea Taylor on youtube: Everywhere Now and Young When I Left Home

 

 

Scott Williamson will appear with the Opening Day Gang (#139). 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.

 

Watch for The Scott's Reds Rally Pack and The Reds Mascots: Gapper, Rosie Red, Mr. Red and Mr. Redlegs! Rosie Red will be in position #20. The Rally pack with the Mascots will be in position #25.   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.