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Oregon Road Conditions & Cams Email Story to a Friend April 7, 2006 Jordan Santos, 8, will be a ladybug while Thomas Ryan, 10, fishes off the U.S. Cellular float destined for Saturday�s Pear Blossom Parade. Mail Tribune / Bob Pennell Fun day in Medford Kids, floats, bands, marathoners, animals and, yes, maybe a sprinkle or two will grace this year’s activities By ANITA BURKE Mail Tribune Fishing, picnicking and relaxing in a porch swing surrounded by spring flowers are some of the best moments in life in Southern Oregon. And they’ll all be featured on the U.S. Cellular float in Saturday’s Pear Blossom Parade — another local favorite. "We wanted to show a perfect day in Medford," said Bea Ryan, who has worked at U.S. Cellular for nine years and is a veteran of several parades. "We tried to put one together in hours before, so we start early now," she said of the float. She and a crew of volunteers worked three days this week to assemble hay bales, a fishing hole, picnic table, porch swing and plenty of silk flowers on a trailer that will be towed by an antique tractor. Advertisement "We’re having so much fun," Ryan said. The parade is the centerpiece of Medford’s Pear Blossom Festival, now in its 53rd year. This year’s theme is "Southern Oregon Country." That sounded like a natural fit for 4-H kids to Sharon Krische, leader of Ruch’s Pigs R Us 4-H club. She’s coordinating four clubs in their first parade appearance — a float featuring a pen of pigs, market lambs, rabbits and dogs. In all, the parade will feature about 150 entries, including floats, old cars, Shriners, cheerleaders, martial arts teams, dance groups, eight equestrian groups and 14 marching bands, festival President Darcey Mann-Self said. "We keep the parade the same size every year," she said. "With 150 entries, that’s two hours if you get them out in a timely manner." The parade begins where Court Street, Central Avenue and Edwards Street come together in Medford. It heads south on Central Avenue to East Main Street, where it turns right and heads west until it’s two blocks past Alba Park, where a street fair will be in progress. The street fair, which includes an art show this year, runs from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. in the downtown park. Festivities take off running with the Pear Blossom Run, which begins at 7 a.m. at Medford City Hall. The weather Saturday might not match the idyll on the U.S. Cellular float. The National Weather Service office in Medford predicts a 50 percent chance of rain through the day. A rainstorm will move through the region tonight, with rain tapering off Saturday morning, meteorologist Mike Petrucelli said. Scattered showers likely will pop up in the afternoon, but Medford should get less rain than areas to the south and west, he said. Still, you might want to take an umbrella to the festival. Spring showers are part of life in Southern Oregon, too. Reach reporter Anita Burke at 776-4485, or e-mail Fun day in Medford ">[email protected] . If you go What: The 53rd annual Pear Blossom Parade. When: 11 a.m. Saturday. Where: downtown Medford. Other events: Pear Blossom Run. 5k starts at 7 a.m., 1-mile at 8 a.m., 10-mile at 8:35 a.m., 2-mile at 8:40 a.m., all at Medford City Hall, 411 W. Eighth St. Street Fair. 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., Alba Park, Holly and Main streets. Mail Tribune Home | Local News | Sports | Business | Obituaries | Life | Opinion AP News | Archives | Site Map | Community | Classified Copyright © 1997-2006 Mail Tribune, Inc. All rights reserved. Privacy Policy | Terms & Conditions | Website Feedback www.bingo.com Absinthe Supply Home Security Systems Trunks, Footlocker Custom Build Computers Computer Security Discount Hotel Reservations online casinos news Debt Consolidation California Casinos GMAT Windermere Van Vleet Deep Muscle Stimulator Sports Equipment Online Casino Reviews Hammocks Online Bingo Entertainment Guide Online Casino Fundraisers Sudoku Online Casinos Canada King of Spirits Email Security Advertisement s Advertisement