By Linda Stinnett

The annual kickoff for Derby Days – the Sundown Parade – will be held at 6:30 p.m. on Friday, June 15.

A variety of floats and local entries will be in the parade this year. The theme is Discover Derby Days.

The parade route begins at Market and Woodlawn and travels to the west on Market to Westview; north to Madison; and east to Mulberry. The route is 1.4 miles long.

Entries are being accepted in four categories for judging – youth organizations, religious, clubs and organizations, and business/commercial. Open categories are musical/marching units; antique vehicles, trucks and boats; Shrine units; and horses and wagons, etc.

Trophies will be awarded after the parade on the south grounds of Derby High School.

Entries must be made by June 13. Entry forms can be found at www.derbydaysks.com.

Line-up of the parade will begin at 4:30 p.m. at the north (Madison) entrance of Panther Stadium’s parking lot. Parade vehicles must enter at that location. 

A drop-off route for parade participants will run through the middle school parking lot, just west of the stadium lot, allowing traffic to move through the area. The drop-off area closes at 6:15 p.m., to allow the parade to promptly start at 6:30 p.m. 

After the parade, participants will be taken to the Derby Public Library or Tanglewood Elementary.

For additional information on the parade, go to www.derbydaysks.com or email parade@derbydaysks.com.