Delaware County is gearing up for the annual All Horse Parade.

County commissioners on Thursday approved a resolution declaring Sept. 13 as All Horse Parade Day across Delaware County.

“It is such a great event for the county, for the city, for the fair,” said Commissioner Gary Merrell. “It’s something we all look forward to every year.”

This year will mark the 30th anniversary of the event. But the annual tradition nearly came to a halt after 28 years when Hiram Masonic Lodge withdrew its sponsorship of the event after 15 years .

Dianne Winters, chairman of the event, was able to cobble together a group of sponsors to donate $14,000 to keep the parade going.

This year’s parade will feature more than 120 units, representing more than 25 breeds, including the famed Budweiser Clydesdales.

The eight-horse team will be hitched to a beer wagon, with a Dalmatian joining them alongside the driver, as they travel the three-mile parade route at 3 p.m.

“This should be a special day in Delaware,” said Winters.

In years past, the parade, which is one of the largest of its kind east of the Mississippi River, has attracted as many as 45,000 people.

Brandt promoted

Patrick Brandt, the county’s emergency communications system manager, was promoted to serve as deputy director of 911.

Brandt currently serves as interim director of the department, filling in for Brian Galligher, who is on active duty of the U.S. Navy Reserve.

“Patrick has done a great job,” said Commissioner Barb Lewis.

New manager at The Strand

Tracey Peyton has been hired to manage the historic Strand Theater.

Peyton previously served as the senior sales manager and business development manager at NorthPointe Hotel and Conference Center.

She also served as president of the board of Canton Palace Theater for six years.

“She’s enthusiastic about being in this community and this county,” Merrell said. “I think she’s going to do an outstanding job.”