Shriners from Dewey & Phoenix

Andy Devine Days Parade begins winding through downtown at 10 a.m. Saturday

KINGMAN - It's that time again! The 38th Annual Andy Devine Days Parade kicks off at 10 a.m. Saturday on the corner of First Street and Beale Street in downtown Kingman.

A total of 115 entrants will make their way around the circular parade route tomorrow, starting down Beale to Sixth Street before making a left, going up two more blocks to Spring Street, then making another left and returning to First.

With so many entries this year, Kingman Superintendent of Recreation Keith Adams anticipates the parade will last about an hour and a half. "It's more (entries) than a lot of the years, but not the largest ever. I know there's been at least one year where we had more than that," Adams said. "Some entries might have 15 vehicles with them or three floats. Each entry's a little different."

But some entries are more different than others. While many of the familiar sights will be on display tomorrow, such as the Wells Fargo Stagecoach, a slew of classic and antique cars, and the various rodeo queens from around the state, Adams said at least a few of the entries were sure to surprise, particularly "Big Blue," a hand-built truck whose name describes it perfectly. "This thing's huge - you need a step ladder to get into it," Adams said.

Adams noted that teams of Shriners from as far as Dewey and the Phoenix/Valley area were slated to drive in the parade as well. "They'll be like a parade amongst themselves," Adams said, noting the sheer number of Shriners signed up.

The parade's theme this year is "The Over the Hill Gang Rides Again," a reference to the Western starring Kingman's favorite son, Andy Devine. The choice of that particular Devine film was no mere coincidence, either - it debuted in 1970, the same year the parade began.