CINCINNATI — BLINK Cincinnati has announced the 2019 event will be kicked off with a large parade through the city, grand marshaled by world-renowned chef Jean-Robert de Cavel.
The parade will make its way south on Vine Street on Oct. 10, starting at 7:30 p.m.
"The BLINK Future City Spectacular Parade shines a light on the many school, church, nonprofit and civic groups, who light up our region each day," said Tamara Harkavy, founding CEP and artistic director of ArtWorks in a press release. "BLINK is a rainbow that brings a diverse collection of individuals and groups together for a shared moment of incredible art and community. We’re proud that the 2019 BLINK parade will feature more than 3,000 of your friends and neighbors."
The parade will feature up to 3,200 people comprised of 85 participating groups, 19 performance groups, 18 lantern-making groups, 17 float/kinetic sculptures, 17 costume groups, 7 puppet groups and 7 regional marching bands.
According to a press release, local artist Kenton Brett led a group or ArtWork youth apprentices to create internally illuminated robot costumes, lit with LED, for the parade. Another local artist, Jesse Mooney-Bullock, led another team of ArtWorks apprentices to create Galactic Light Beast puppets. The puppets are wearable creatures designed to be affixed to backpacks for the parade.
Parade grand marshal, Jean-Robert de Cavel, became the Chef de Cuisine at the Maisonette in 1993. He currently owns and operates Jean-Robert's Table, French Crust Café & Bistro, Le Bar a Boeuf, Frenchie Fresh and Restaurant L in Cincinnati.
"BLINK puts Cincinnati, the region I love, on a global map as a creative and inclusive future city – and it gives visitors from around the region, the nation and the world the opportunity to enjoy Cincinnati’s booming and innovative food scene. I’m humbled and honored to serve as grand marshal for the BLINK parade,” said Jean-Robert de Cavel in a press release.
