The Hungarian national float took first place in the nationality floats category.

Andrea Miceli, first-time chairwoman for the Lorain International Festival parade, called the 2009 parade a “memorable success.”

A rainy Sunday morning gave way to bright sunshine just as the parade stepped off at 11:30 a.m.

More 110 units from Lorain County and visiting royalty from all over Ohio, made their way down Broadway and past the grandstand at City Hall. There grand marshal Antonio Barrios and honorary grand marshal Joe Skodny waved the entrants on.

Gary Fisher walks with the Lorain Lions Club, which placed third in the novelty category.

Lorain International Association President Terri Soto was the first woman to announce the parade.

Two judges from All American Judges evaluated the units based on criteria such as presentation, creativity and marching style.

The 2009 winners are:

Nationality float

1. Hungarian national float
2. St. Clements Macedonia dance group
3. Tatra Highlanders Polish Folklore Dancers

Commercial float

1. Lorain County Community College
2. Willow Rental LLC
3. Lorain County Metropolitan Housing Authority/Resident Assistance Watch Program

Noncommercial float

1. Lorain Palace Youth Theater
2. El Centro
3. Academy of Arts and Sciences and Lorain Preparatory Academy

Visiting royalty

1. Erie County Fair
2. Ohio Swiss Festival
3. Berlin Heights Basket Festival

Senior color corps

1. Lorain County sheriff’s auxiliary color guard

Juvenile baton Unit

1. The Deputies baton, flag and drum corps

Junior baton unit

1. The Deputies baton, flag and drum corps

Senior baton unit

1. The Deputies baton, flag and drum corps

Junior Drill Team

1. African Royalty drill team

Senior drill team

1. Royal Canadian Legion ladies drill team

Marching unit

1. Lorain Admiral King cheerleaders
2. Stone Sports Saints cheerleaders

Motorcycle unit

1. DWD Motor Sport bike club
2. Lorain County sheriff

Novelty

1. Al Koran Shriners and Lorain County Fire Brigade
2. Lorain Public Library System
3. Lorain Lions Club

Military

1. Ohio Army National Guard