The Canton Repository was on the scene when "the Obie the Tiger balloon cruised through the intersection of Tuscarawas Street and Cleveland Avenue just before 9 a.m." Shortly thereafter, the Timken Grand Parade got real.
Candice Dillman, the president of the Professional Football Ultimate Fan Association, was injured in the incident. Dillman was walking near the 12th Man float when she was hit from behind while reaching into her purse.
Medics from the Perry Township Fire Department placed her on a backboard from transport to a local hospital. The parade was delayed for about 20 minutes while medics attended to Dillman.
Our prayers are with the Dillman family.
Parade marches to conclusion after accident with float [CantonRep] (H/T 2009 12th Float picture from Jacob Gutiérrez Flores's Flickr)