Opening day means holiday for much of Cincinnati area

CINCINNATI (AP) - There’s a big parade, block and office parties, live music, and finally, a baseball game.

For the Cincinnati Reds, Monday is the opening day of the new season. For many of their fans, it’s an annual holiday of baseball.

Special celebrations of the Reds’ season opener in Cincinnati go back to the 19th century, and the Findlay Market Opening Day Parade emerged as a pregame centerpiece. The 96th parade begins at noon, with marching bands, color guards, politicians and local celebrities walking or riding on floats or in other vehicles through the city.

This year’s grand marshals are the “Nasty Boys,” the bullpen trio of Norm Charlton, Rob Dibble and Randy Myers who starred for the 1990 World Series winners.

The Reds host the Pittsburgh Pirates at 4:10 p.m.