Parading the World Choir Games in Cincinnati

Everyone loves a parade.

And so it was Tuesday (July 10) on Fifth Street in downtown Cincinnati for the 7th World Choir Games “Celebration of Nations” parade.  Led by grand marshals Mark Mallory, Mayor of Cincinnati, and Rock and Roll Hall of Famer Bootsy Collins, choirs of nations participating in the Games, representatives of Interkultur (producer of the Games) and local presenting sponsors – an estimated 6,000 people according to the Cincinnati Convention and Visitors Bureau -- marched from Duke Energy Convention Center to Fountain Square to celebrate the completion of the first week of the event.

An enthusiastic crowd was on hand, waving flags, applauding and generally having a good time.

The parade begins, Fifth and Race Street

The heat wave of the previous week had broken (though giant misters were still operating for those who wanted a quick cool-down), the skies were blue, and best of all, Cincinnati had made it easily accessible with helpful signage, convenient parking and streets in the immediate vicinity blocked only just-so to control automobile traffic.  Courtesy, smiles and mutual admiration were the rule, as Cincinnati continued to show itself a generous and affectionate host for the event, which has brought more than 15,000 visitors to the city from around the world.

Nigerian chorister on Fountain Square after the "Celebration of Nations" parade

It was as much fun (almost) to watch the crowd as the marchers, in order to lap up the enthusiasm that spilled over everywhere.  Hands waved flags of all nations (not just the U.S.), children perched on their parents’ shoulders and the spirit of music, whether actually sung or not, filled the air.  Many people craned their necks to get a glimpse of Collins, who rode in a splashy red car and joined an ensemble at the party afterwards on Fountain Square to sing the WCG anthem, “I Can,” (by gospel star Kirk Franklin).

James Stewart Reaney (London Free Press, London, Ontario, Canada)

Some of the choirs wore national costumes (Venezuela, the Czech Republic), others included instrumental ensembles, some displayed American flags along with their own, all seemed energized by their reception along the parade route.  Out-of-town media complimented Cincinnati's hospitality, among them James Stewart Reaney of the London Free Press (Ontario, Canada).  “We’re having the time of our lives,” Reaney said.

Here are some photos from Market Garden at the corner of Fifth and Race (set up to accommodate the needs of visitors, with food, drink and vendors’ booths).  Note the revival of “The Big Pig Gig,” the painted pigs that populated the city in 2000, recalling Cincinnati’s one-time nickname of “Porkopolis” (for its thriving meat-packing industry in the 19th century).

Welcome sign on Fifth Street, downtown Cincinnati

Whirl and Twirl spin by

Grand marshal, Cincinnati Mayor Mark Mallory, leads the parade

Grand marshal Bootsy Collins waves to the crowd

And now a word from one of our sponsors (Kroger Co.)

Australia passes in review

Canada stops to sing

Lovely in costume, Colombia

left to right: Finland, Estonia, Ecuador and Denmark

painted pig at the entrance of Village Market Square, corner of Race and Fifth Streets, downtown Cincinnati

Here's Germany

Encore Germany

just the thing for a hot day

On high to see Hong Kong

Hello, Philippines

painted pig on Fountain Square

Russia passes by

Girls choir from Russia

Fairfield Choraliers of Cincinnati

Venezuela (loves music, home of El Sistema)