Thankfully, world order has been restored and the Findlay Market Opening Day Parade and Reds Opening Day game are once again taking place on the same day in 2019.
Last year, the parade was held four days after the Reds’ home opener against the Washington Nationals because MLB scheduling changes moved the season’s start date up a week.
This year, parade activities go back to their regularly scheduled programming, with events stepping off from Findlay Market at noon before the Reds take on the Pittsburg Pirates at Great American Ball Park at 4:10 p.m.
This year’s parade is also an exceptionally big deal because it marks several milestones: the 100th anniversary of the parade and the 150th anniversary of the Cincinnati Reds. Major League Baseball commissioner Rob Manfred will serve as grand marshall of the parade, riding with Johnny Bench, who will catch the first pitch (thrown by Eric Davis).
Among other parade highlights: a Disney-themed Dumbo float, the Budweiser Clydesdales and appearances by Grippo’s (also celebrating 100 years; please throw bags of chips), King Records and multiple marching bands and dance teams. We assume everyone is taking the rest of the week off, right?
\Noon Thursday (March 28). Free. Findlay Market, 1801 Race St., Over-the-Rhine, findlaymarketparade.com.
