The largest number of entries in recent memory, the majestic Clydesdale horses and free - yes, free - hot dogs are all part of this morning's annual Central Wyoming Fair Parade, "Legends of Wyoming."

The parade winds its way through downtown Casper beginning at 10 a.m.

Tom Phillips, Casper Lions Club president, says he cut off the number of entries at 151 at the official deadline and now has 157.

"They keep calling," he said.

Last year's parade featured 146 entries.

The parade route begins at A and Kimball streets, makes its way through downtown and ends at the corner of Ninth and Center streets. It's the same route every year, allowing for folks to stake out lawn chair and shady spots early.

Beginning at 8:30 a.m., the Casper Police Department will tow vehicles left in the parade route. The vehicles will be towed at no charge to the west side of the Mossholder's parking lot, where they can be picked up by the owners.

Live music in the parade will be presented by the Korein Oriental Shrine Band and the Casper Municipal Band.

There are about 50 floats, Phillips said, and an enormous brand-new fire truck from the airport.

Queens will be well-represented, including Mrs. Wyoming Joanna Hamilton, Miss Rodeo Wyoming Allie Bath, Miss Wyoming Cynthia Pate, and Tiny Miss Wyoming Lillian Axt.

Phillips said Poor Boys Steakhouse is a parade entrant with its new barbecue wagon, and to celebrate, will hand out free hot dogs to parade goers.

The beloved Budweiser Clydesdales make their first visit to the Casper parade in about 11 years.

The Brothers of the Third Wheel, a social organization dedicated to three-wheeled motorcycles, will ride as a group in the parade and invites anyone with a trike, member or not, to join in the fun.

Kevin Anderson, Western history collections archivist at Casper College, is the parade grand marshal. Coincidentally, his great-grandfather was a parade marshal at a small Michigan parade 100 years ago.

Dr. Ken Morse is the Lion of the Year, as named by the Casper Lions Club.

After the parade, JD Blues Band, Rock n' Roll Susie and national artist Studebaker John and the Hawks will perform a free, family-friendly outdoor concert at the Parkway Plaza from 1 to 8 p.m.

The Wyoming Blues and Jazz Society has arranged the event with cooperation from the Parkway Plaza.

Food and beverages will be available outside, some seating provided too, but take your outdoor chair if you wish.

Community News editor Sally Ann Shurmur can be reached at (307) 266-0520 or sallyann.shurmur@trib.com. Read Sal's blog at tribtown.trib.com/Sal/blog.

Info box:

Parade Day 2009

Here's the route:

* Starts at A and Kimball streets.

* West to Center Street.

* South to Second Street.

* East to Beech Street.

* South to Collins Drive.

* Southwest to Center Street.

* South to Ninth Street by Park School.

Here's the route:

* Starts at A and Kimball streets.

* West to Center Street.

* South to Second Street.

* East to Beech Street.

* South to Collins Drive.

* Southwest to Center Street.

* South to Ninth Street by Park School.

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