Patch writer Rhonda Weiche and Ladue-Frontenac Patch Editor Jim Baer not so wisely decided to brave the heat and ride bikes to Fair St. Louis 2012. Truth be known, the ride went only from the fringe of the Saint Louis University campus to 4th street. That was about 20 blocks on a scorching hot 102+ morning. Heat waves vapors were rising from the pavement.

None the less, the parade was interested, and surprisingly, well attended. The faithful lined the parade route starting at the Missouri Athletic Club and ending a couple of miles west on Market in front of Union Station.

It is simply amazing how many people come out to watch a parade, rain or shine. The joke was, the parade season began with Mardi Gras in 30 degree weather and ended up over 100 degrees for Fair St. Louis.

Figuring all of this, the early crowds were very light at the opening of Fair St. Louis. The performance by Heart brought out a much bigger crowd for the evening session.

With the Fourth of July in midweek, the fair shuts down, and reopens for business Friday and Saturday. Long range forecasts call for a lot more heat and humidity, par for St. Louis every year. These are Rhonda Weiche's photos from the opening day parade.