Large pieces of construction equipment, more commonly seen this summer at work sites around Albion, were used to block vehicle traffic from the Festival area. With flags lining Superior Street and the Festival banner stretched across the road, the equipment marked the entrance to a downtown filled with cars and visitors Friday evening.

Earlier Friday, family members, friends and community members gathered for the dedication of the honorary Vera Simpson Way along Jefferson Street. Watch for a story about Simpson and the dedication in next week’s Recorder.

Saturday morning brought a different kind of Festival weather.

Organizers moved the Festival parade from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Parade participants are asked to line up at 12:15 p.m. Vendor setup is scheduled from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., with the Chamber strongly encouraging vendors to wait until the afternoon to set up because of lightning on the radar.

The Ludington Center, 101 N. Superior St., is open for vendors and others who need to get out of the rain.

A number of Festival activities are also happening indoors.

Albion historian Frank Passic moved his Albion History Booth inside Stirling Books & Brew, 119 N. Superior St. Passic has copies of his History of Albion and the 1932 Milestones and Memories Albion Centennial book, along with other historical items. His display includes Festival of the Forks buttons from years past.

Dr. Harry Bonner Sr. is marking 50 years of service from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Courtyard Marriott. His display will be in the hotel lobby during the rain.

Families looking for a free indoor activity can head to the Albion District Library, 501 S. Superior St., where the Festival’s Dino Building activity has moved to the children’s room from 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Visitors can also browse the library’s Festival Book Sale until 4 p.m., with used books and other items priced at 50 cents or $1.

The Festival of the Forks Juried Art Exhibition is open from noon to 5 p.m. at the Albion Arts Center, 107 E. Cass St.

Other activities are continuing or changing as the weather develops. The Chamber is posting Festival updates on its Facebook page, with individual posts about activities and schedule changes.

Visitors can check those updates, stop inside downtown businesses for shopping or a cup of coffee, and bring an umbrella for the walk between stops.

Organizers said Saturday morning they will continue monitoring the weather.