ONEONTA _ A busy weekend is ahead for Oneonta as the city is hosting Saturday what the Centennial Committee hopes will be the largest parade seen in many years in Oneonta.
On Sunday, the 15th annual Pit Run will be held.
It is also alumni weekend for Oneonta High School, which will feature 13 inductions into the Wall of Distinction and the Athletic Hall of Fame on Saturday. Inductees include a former U.S. senator, a state Supreme Court judge, a country-rock icon, a World Series winner, the all-time leading basketball scorer at Oneonta High School and others.
A full slate is also planned at Hartwick College on Friday and Saturday for the formal inauguration of President Margaret L. Drugovich.
"I really believe it will be one of the most eventful weekends in the city's history," said Mayor John Nader on Sunday.
Nader said he has met with Department of Public Service Supervisor Larry Harrison to ensure the city is spruced up for the weekend. As in the past with parades and Pit Runs, the fire and police departments will be preparing to handle public safety issues, he said.
"I think we'll be ready for this," Nader said. "I'm really looking forward to it."
More than 100 different community groups have signed up to march in the Centennial Parade, which will start at about 4:30 p.m., according to organizers.
The parade is the latest in a series of events this year held by the Centennial Committee to honor the 100-year anniversary of Oneonta becoming a city.
"There's been a tremendous amount of community support around the events they have organized," Nader said.
Parade participants include pipe bands, high school marching bands, a dance team, fire departments from across the area and many other groups and organizations.
Key Bank, EA Powell Company, Hughson & Benson Associates Insurance, Ruffino's Pizzeria and Five-Star Subaru are contributing $1,000 in prize money, with a grand prize of $500 for best parade entry.
The parade will leave Neahwa Park at the River Street intersection and take a right on Main Street, continuing through downtown.
Centennial Committee co-chairman Kevin Herrick said it is expected that the parade will be about two to three times the size of the annual Memorial Day parade.
Alumni weekend at OHS will feature the second class of inductees to the Wall of Distinction and the Athletic Hall of Fame as part of its series of activities. The induction ceremony starts at 9 a.m.
Joseph P. Molinari, Jerry Jeff Walker, John L. Carline, David C. Hurley and Irving McNeil Ives will be inducted to the Wall of Distinction. Harold Hunt, Joe Pidgeon, John Bertuzzi, Rick Page, Joe Hughes, Clay Bellinger, Kristen Zeh and Kelly Sosa will be inducted into the Athletic Hall of Fame.
The Pit Run is held each year in remembrance of Ricky J. "Pit" Parisian, a 1978 graduate of Oneonta High School and state police investigator for whom the race is named.
Parisian was killed in 1994 when he tried to prevent an armed robbery at the Great American in Oneonta while off-duty.
This year's Pit Run features the traditional 10-kilometer and 5-kilometer races, as well as a two-mile stroll. Each starts at 10:45 a.m.
For those interested in participating in Saturday's parade:
{"Body Text Edit"/}Sign-up forms may be found at www.oneonta100.com. For more information, call 434-6755 or e-mail mainstreetoneonta@hotmail.com.
The Centennial Parade starts at 4:30 p.m., with participants signing in between 3 and 4 p.m. Organizers will be set up under a blue tent at Damaschke Field.
Neahwa Park will be closed at 2 p.m. in order for the parade to line up.
Participants are asked to use the Gas Avenue entrance to the park near Damaschke Field. Organizers are urging participants park their cars in the parking areas in Neahwa Park and then approach the check-in tent on foot.
