Bismarck businessman Scott Johnson is working on pulling together the second annual Autumnfest parade which will take to the streets of Bismarck on Sept. 22.

Johnson organized Autumnfest last year as "just another thing to do to get people downtown." This event is different than the annual "Parade of Champions" held by United Tribes Technical College as part of the annual International Powwow it sponsors.

This year the UTTC event is Sept. 6-9 with the Parade of Champions on Sept. 8.

Autumnfest provides area bands more time to prepare for a parade, Johnson said. With public schools starting at the end of August, being ready for the Parade of Champions is difficult, he said.

"There is no longer a Folkfest Parade (Folkfest is Sept. 14-15) and the kids and bands need a later date so they can get in more practice," Johnson said. "Last year we had eight bands and this year there are at least 10 on board."

A total of 128 entries participated in last year's Autumnfest which was aided by it being held prior to November's general election. Proceeds raised through entry fees raised about $1,500 which was donated to the local Shriners. A charitable organization, yet to be selected, will again be chosen to receive funds raised by this year's event.

Applications for Autumnfest are due Wednesday, but Johnson says they likely will be taken until the day of the parade.

"Unless it gets really crazy we'll work everybody in," Johnson said. "Nobody is going to be refused."

The parade starts at 10 a.m. making its way along the usual parade route from the Capitol grounds to Kirkwood Mall. Last year the event took about 90 minutes.

"Last year was a great success. People really like the bands and we're sending applications to as far as Williston with hopes they'll want to participate," Johnson said.

There also will be an opportunity for vendors to display their wares on Broadway in the downtown area during most of Saturday. Johnson expects parade entries and vendor participation to be up from the first Autumnfest.

"We won't have the political people this year, but it should be a good All-American parade just the same," Johnson said.

(Reach reporter Gordon Weixel at 701-250-8255 or gordon.weixel@bismarcktribune.com.)