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The 70th Mermaid Festival is off to a cute start. Wednesday night, June 24, found North Webster’s streets filled with strollers, costumes, candy and children beginning at 6:30 p.m.

The Cutie Parade was looking pretty “groovy” in accordance with this year’s theme, “Back to the 70’s.”

The evening began with the singing of the national anthem by Lisa Scott, followed by a line of North Webster Police, Fire and EMS.

Children and their families walked, strolled, drove and rode along in floats, wagons, and off-road vehicles designed to match the theme. Each costume and float was unique, but a couple characters and ’70s nostalgia were popular.

The first float down the line honored the kings and queens of past years, including the Cutie King and Queen from 2014, Hope Scott, North Webster, and Hayden Castro, Etna Green.

“Star Wars” and “Scooby Doo” graced parade guests with smiles and waves, while Wonder Woman and Superman tossed goodies for other children to enjoy. The crowd watched with awe as participants strolled by in their ’70s costumes. Children came from all over northern Indiana including Kimmel, Syracuse, Warsaw, Columbia City and Millersburg.

The popular “Dukes of Hazzard” wasn’t left behind, with Daisy coming in first with a smile, followed by the Dukes’ shiny, orange ride. Astronauts and radio deejays wouldn’t miss the Cutie Parade, either.

One float honored the Vietnam War, with a memorial wall and reading of names under a shady tree. This year’s theme also recognizes the time period of the first Mermaid Festival, during the end of WWII.

This year’s Cutie King and Queen will be announced during the Cutie Pageant Friday, June 26. The pageant begins at 7 p.m. at the North Webster Community Center.

For additional photos, follow Ink Free News on Instagram by adding @inkfreenews, or following the hashtag “#kosify.”

Here are some of the floats and participants from the 2015 Cutie Parade: