AS EARLY as today, Saturday, events for the 15th staging of the Baguio Flower Festival is on the move with the Street and Float parades slated on February 27 and 28, respectively.

The event will be managed by the previous Flower Festival Committee chaired by Anthony de Leon of the Baguio Tourism Council, Hotel and Restaurant Association of Baguio and the Baguio Conventions and Visitors Bureau.

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The launch of the 15th celebration is set November 16.

Last year, a star studded parade was witnessed by the crowd and but for next year being an election years, politicians are expected to needle themselves in the festivities.

De Leon, in past election years, dissuaded politicians aiming to campaign during festivities in a bid to maintain the festival’s apolitical theme.

Last year, the crowd was estimated to reach almost a million for the duration of the weekend parades. About 1,060 volunteers helped man the two-kilometer parade routes for the two-day exhibition of street dancing and float parades.

Six hundred and ninety-one communication groups pitched in their effort, while 529 additional volunteer were on standby to help keep the peace.

Street dancing contingents totaled 42, while 25 floats displayed the best mountain blooms.

The Baguio Flower Festival is tagged as the oldest festival in this highland province because if its consistency and size.

Opening parades for next year is scheduled on February 1, and the celebration of the Chinese New Year on February 13.

Street concerts are scattered in key areas like Legarda and Abanao streets. The Philippine Military Academy Homecoming is also included in the annual schedule of events on February 20 to 22, with the usual offerings, such as the Session Road in Bloom and Pony Boy Day.

Another staging of the medieval theatrical play “Camelot” is scheduled at the Burnham Lake, a repeat of the success of the previous “Phantom at the Lake,” which was received warmly by both locals and visiting tourists. (Maria Elena Catajan)