Also, I've only been to big city parades in recent years so I'm not sure if these odd things are just Rochester or all smaller town parades:
Pretty much anyone can join the parade...which might be why it was so unorganized. Way too many participants.
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| Sit in a trailer and throw candy. |
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| Church van. There were people from the church walking around handing out info about church services. Really? I think you need to at least sing or something. |
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| Tow truck with empty lawn chairs? All of this wouldn't be so bad if the parade was moving along, but when any of these make a dead stop in front of you for 15 minutes? Not the best time to be spending with a 3 year old. |
The amount of candy was extreme. I don't even remember candy being thrown at Sierra Vista parades. Maybe I'm wrong about that, but Penny came home with as much as Halloween. Good thing Chris had a doggie bag in his pocket so she could carry it.
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| Penny waving and opening her bag for candy |
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| One float was giving out string cheese. Huh? |
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| McDonalds and Kemp's handed out chocolate milk. This was her first taste of chocolate milk she took a sip and said "mmmm, I like it. I don't want any more. You drink it."
But in all fairness they did have some of the regular things:
Many bands. We didn't see the marching band since they cut the line up ahead, but we got to see a few of these community bands. Senior citizens show up and listen to directions!
Various animal rescue societies. I liked the Greyhound float. They had a bunch of couches and a sign that said 45 mph Couch potato. Very true
 Clowns  This church did actually do something. They had a great band of all ages.  I asked Chris if he wanted to join the Rochester All Men's Chorus. He said no. Maybe it was because they were lip synching to "I could have danced all night" from My fair Lady"  Penny being scared by a lion  Chris said he'd join the bagpipers. Can't wait to hear him practice!  |
Despite my complaints, Penny had a good time. We left at about 2 hours so we didn't get to see the shriners in the little cars. Not sure what else we missed. Hopefully next time they are a little more organized and a little pickier about who gets to be in the parade.
6 comments:
They threw candy and food from the floats? No...that didn't happen at the Sierra Vista Parade...a pretty good parade for a small town.
I don't know why but this post made me laugh so hard. Maybe it's my imagination but I could have sworn I've gotten candy at a Sierra Vista parade. Maybe I'm getting that confused with Tempe....
Minnesota is so good about festivals and fun things. Have you ever been to the milk carton festival in Minneapolis? People make boats only using milk cartons and then have boat races. It's hilarious and awesome. And they have all kinds of food there too. Like cheese curds. Mmmm cheese curds.....
Did you ever find out what the parade was for?
I got a kick out of this post. Last week I had to read a book about festivals in the Midwest and how they contribute to the American public memory and American's cultural identity. He singled out Minnesota and Wisconsin. The author said that although these festivals/parades/events were usually sponsored by someone with a specific meaning the people who attended and participated usually co-opted the event to make it a time for relaxation and partying, with little regard to the theme. Supposedly most people are more concerned with their own individual issues (and 3 year olds) than some grand nation building motive. Looks like he was right.
Penny told me that saw a Mama Clown, a Daddy Clown and Baby Clown at the parade and she got candy so all in all a good day.
You three have All American weekends!
That's so Americana! :)
I kind of remember S.V. handing out candy too...not a lot though...certainly not Halloween amounts!
I really like the greyhound one too! Awww...super cute!! :)
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