Unity Parade heralds approach of annual FHS-NFHS rivalry match

Who doesn’t love a parade?

On Saturday morining, Oct. 29, Forney’s downtown area was filled with color and pageantry as townspeople and visitors enjoyed the 2016 Unity Parade—the harbinger of next Friday’s Unity Bowl matchup between cross-town rivals Forney High School and North Forney High School.

The parade began at 10:00 a. m. This year’s Grand Marshal was Rick Barnes, who retired officially as Forney’s police chief at the end of his work day Monday, Oct. 31.

Prizes were awarded for first-, second-, and third-place entries and for the most original entry. A float entered by Forney High school Cheer grades 3 and 4, with a Wizard of Oz theme, won the prize for most original. Two entries tied for first place this year: the FISD swim team and the North Forney High School band. Second place went to the North Forney High School chapter of FFA, and third place went to the National Art Honor Society chapter at North Forney High School.