Parade

Yesterday was our little city's Festival Days. I think they have a race and a breakfast to kick of the festivities, but for us it begins with the parade. I love the parade. I wrote about attending the neighboring city's parade on the 4th, it's fun, but it's bigger and way more crowded and later on in the day so miserably hot. Our little parade comes right down our beautiful tree-lined Main Street at 10:00 in the morning. We sat in the shade of an enormous tree surrounded by neighbors and friends and this year John and Jamie (Brennan's parents) too. Our local high schools' marching bands, local dance groups, all-start baseball teams, lots of horses and a handful of floats pass by while the kids all scramble for the candy. Benny sits completely enthralled for the whole hour which is saying something, that child doesn't sit still for anything! Nate happily sits on the curb and manages to procure plenty of candy from his sort of defensive position. Anna and Abby aggressively pursue it out in the street, keeping a singular focus and fighting whatever foes necessary to get the precious spoils. Every now and then one of the girls comes back to us either dejected and sad about her frustrated attempts or loaded with success and willing to share.

After the parade there's a carnival at the main park. We always go and find some fun, but for me it starts and ends with the parade. We leave feeling full -- of community, patriotism, family, fun and candy. What more is there?