By Cliff Radel
The Cincinnati Enquirer

Opening Day 2004 screams "MADE IN CINCINNATI, WARTS AND ALL!" It includes a possible April 5 appearance at Great American Ball Park by Vice President Dick Cheney, who will throw out the first pitch, schedule permitting.

Marge Schott's Reds' warm-up jacket, along with Queen City native and former Red Dave Parker, will occupy prominent spots in the 85th Annual Findlay Market Opening Day Parade.

The jacket with "Marge" sewn on the back will be part of a tribute to the team's late owner. Parker, a Reds outfielder (1984-'87) defamed by Schott's use of the N-word, will be the parade's grand marshal. Schott and Parker later reconciled.

Nick Lachey, a School for the Creative and Performing Arts graduate and Newlyweds star, will sing "The Star-Spangled Banner."

"Marge was No. 1 with us," said parade chairman Neil Luken. "So, we're saying 'Thanks for the memories.' "

The parade's first division will feature a convertible carrying an enlarged photo of Schott. Two of her sisters, Lottie Crane and Bobbie Unnewehr, will ride in the parade. Part of the tribute to Schott will be a 21-dog salute featuring 21 St. Bernards.

The Reds will honor Schott and late outfielder Dernell Stenson with video tributes before the game.

The parade begins at 11:30 a.m. at the Findlay Market House. Game time is 2:10 p.m. for the contest between the Reds and Chicago Cubs.

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E-mail cradel@enquirer.com