parade float with American flag and Fort Thomas tower
A Fort Thomas city float featured General Thomas atop the city's iconic tower.

Linda Slone and Jim Trauth are longtime co-organizers of the Fort Thomas Independence Day parade. Last year’s parade was big, Slone said, and she expected even more participants this year.

She was not disappointed.

“It really was a great day to host a parade,” Stone said. “We had more than 90 participants and each one had anywhere from two to six vehicles plus golf carts and tons of walkers throwing candy. OMG, the amount of candy that I saw the kids take home!  It was better than Halloween.”

Stone said that, normally, they have about 75 participants, so this parade was much larger than usual.

“It was good to see so many people on the sides celebrating with us for the parade,” she said. “I love seeing the enthusiasm of the participants as we are staging them and the people when they see each participant. The Military Division always gets the crowd clapping in honoring them.”

Parade winners for 2022

With a parade, pictures tell the story. Here are 2022 Fort Thomas Independence Day parade winners:

Most Original, first place: Tracy Davis Insurance

Tracy Davis and the State Farm Insurance team created a large eagle to promote the theme “Together for a Shared Future.”

Most Original, second place: CR Carving

A float decked out with some of the creations by Chris Rust of CR Carving. He is joined by his family. Check out the carved eagle overlooking the crowd.

Most Entertaining, first place: Bella Dance

One of the largest groups in the parade, Bella Dance never fails to inspire and entertain. Pictured are students, teachers and the entire team.

Most Entertaining, second place: Groove Crew

Members of the Groove Crew get their groove on (of course). A fun time for all!

Best Representation of the Theme, first place: Erin Sizemore for Judge

Erin Sizemore, candidate for Campbell County district court judge, joined the parade decked out in a bright red car covered in American flags for the theme.

Best Representation of the Theme, second place: NKY Young Marines

The military presence in the parade was strong. The Northern Kentucky Young Marines marched in formation and pride.

More photos from the parade

Fort Thomas Mayor Eric Haas joined the parade. Earlier he presented former City Administrator Ron Dill a proclamation declaring him the Grand Master of the parade. The Dill clan posed together to celebrate the day.

Planning begins for 2023

“The Renaissance Board has decided that next year the parade, the 5K Run, the Fort Festivities and the fireworks will all be held on the 4th of July.  It doesn’t matter which day it is held on, Jim and I will be happy to host it again!  We have just as much fun as everyone else,” Slone said. Next year, July 4 falls on a Tuesday.

The parade winners will receive trophies and an official thank you from the city at the August 15 city council meeting.