Wadsworth's Blue Tip Festival kicks off with parade

WADSWORTH — More than a 150 groups and organizations paraded through downtown Wadsworth to kick off the 52nd annual Blue Tip Festival on Tuesday. The festival started with its 2.5-mile parade from Wadsworth High School to Isham Elementary School. This year's parade grand marshal was the Wadsworth Rotary Club, which is celebrating 100 years. Rotary President Tim Manion and President-elect Terri Whitlam were in the lead car with Manion lighting the ceremonial blue tip match. The match will be lit for the remainder of the festival. After the parade the festival, north of Art Wright Stadium, remained open. Today the festival is open from noon to 11 p.m., with an hourlong closure at 5 p.m. Kids land at the festival will be taking place from noon to 4 p.m. and the band Trailer Park Ninjas will perform from 7 to 10 p.m. For a full schedule and more information on the festival, visit www.bluetipfestival.com.