Reminiscing Parades

          Today we attended our first parade since arriving in Oregon.   

         As we sat on the curb to wait for the parade to start,  I was reminded of a time Roland had taken Jenna and I to Midvale to watch the Cinco de Mayo parade.  I remember our eternal wait for the parade to start and how unpressed I was when the first 5 -13 vehicles that followed the emergency vehicles (which usually lead the parade) as the utility trucks and yellow construction vehicles that followed (not to mention the firetrucks)  were seen on a day-to-day basis when we were living in Kearns.

          This morning I wondered how similar the parade might be to that one – but than my expectations weren’t very high (good thing) though. I did to expect to see more floats and perhaps less monster trucks or big wheeled vehicles or whatever you call them.  

            I also thought there would be at least one band.  There was only one instrument that made its way into the parade - and not one that I expected to see.

organ player in the cart provides only music 

          Yesterday the annual three hour parade was held in Salt Lake City Utah.  I knew that it would not last that long but was surprised that the creek in Myrtle Creek lasted nearly 40 minutes.  All entries could be entered last minute.  Salt Lake participants start a month or two ahead – at least.  Even with the youth parade that is held the week prior, entries are created ahead of schedule and not just an hour to five minutes before the parade gets started.  (see this post)

            Many of the floats, bands, etc. get the opportunity of being in both parades.  Or maybe it’s just a selected few.  I don’t know.  I like my parades short and quick. Today may have been quicker but some of the monster contestants were either showing off or the drivers were just having a hard time with moving so slow – as it sounded though some had actually restarted their engines.  But what do I know about monster vehicles?  Nothing.

          We had actually seen more farm equipment here in Oregon than we did at the parade we had gone to in Star Valley, Wyoming.   

            Each time we do watch a parade – no matter how small – we are introduced to one thing that we have never had exposure to at seeing in a parade.  Today’s unique interest (maybe not those who recide in Myrtle Creek or surrounding areas – but to us) it was the logging truck. 

          My favorite thing to look at though was this dog – who seemed to want to play fetch each time the candy was thrown.  His reaction made me laugh.  He really was fun to watch.

          Jenna had a great time at the park – playing games for rocks and prizes.   

          She could have played longer but we dragged her away.  We may return for fireworks – but just did not want to hang out for twelve hours. 

           Today is the last day of the festval.  Our sleepy little town has been wakened – well for this weekend at least.