Great turnout at Water Festival

Organizers of the 54th annual Three Rivers Water Festival declared the event a success, despite a Friday night storm that forced the cancellation of the traditional parade.

Threatening weather to the west of St. Joseph County prompted the cancellation of the parade more than two hours before it was scheduled to start. As it turns out, the correct call was made, as severe weather pelted Three Rivers and the rest of St. Joseph County not long after the parade would have started.

Other than that blemish, the annual festival drew large crowds on opening day Thursday and its final day Saturday, when a fireworks show capped another Water Festival.