Story and photos by Monty Siekerman
What do a chicken, giant tractor, a mayor, a fire truck, a goat, and candy have in common?

They could all be found at Saturday’s Farmers and Merchants parade. Everybody loves a parade, so says the saying, but kids especially like the annual F&M parade in Ada because of the ton of candy thrown by participants. It’s better than Halloween, and kids don’t have to go door to door in the cold. Children carry home plastic sacks filled with goodies.

There were politicians smiling, businesses advertising, flags distributed, bands marching and bulldogs cheering. The beautiful morning drew a good crowd along Main Street. Those in the parade and watching headed to War Memorial Park afterwards for the opening ceremonies for the 105th picnic.

Here are some of the units in the 2018 parade: