Center for Archival Collections

During the 1940s and 1950s, Toledo celebrated summertime with the Aquarama Festival. It was an occasion to help people celebrate the recreation possible for a city set on Lake Erie, promoting business and tourism. Documented here by the Department of Publicity and Efficiency, we have the record not only of the parade itself, but also of the way people dressed and the look of the city at the time. (Location: Erie Street and Madison)

   No festival or parade was complete without its queen to provide a touch of local glamour.

Local officials and dignitaries gathered in the review stand to watch the parade. Sometimes prizes were awarded to the best units.   

  "Circus Fun" was the theme of the parade the year these photographs were taken. Children's marching groups represented various parks and areas in Toledo to highlight the city's summer recreation program.

 Marching units emphasized school and neighborhood participation.

 The Fire Department took the opportunity to show off their new equipment, as well as the size of the force.

 Not to be outdone, the Police Department also marched in the parade, showing off their Toledo-made Jeeps.

 Unique floats make each parade especially memorable.