I live in a town only large enough to support one grocery store but we do have a library and a community center and on the Fourth of July everyone comes out to play. In the past our parades have consisted primarily of the boy scouts and brownies, swim and football teams, the city council and anyone running for office, every classic car in town, kids on tricycles, local war heroes, high school marching bands and lots of dogs, hot and otherwise.
But things are a-changing…
This year we had the characters from the musical Seussical grooving in brightly colored costumes to raga tunes.
And a horse drawn carriage…
I think they were sponsored by one of the banks and not Coors but just seeing them made me crave a beer.
The tiny theatrical group in town, which puts on mostly murder mysteries in an outdoor theater also marched – in costume, of course.
Not new, but always entertaining, was the juggler who rode a unicycle in the parade and then entertained the children at the local park while their parents drank beer and listened to a jazz band.
He appeared to be having as much fun as the kids.
New, and probably the most unusual of the participants, was the Stilt Lady, dancing a Brazilian rumba. I’m afraid of heights so she terrified me.
When I first moved to this area over twenty years ago there weren’t that many “people of color” in the parade, however, as my neighbor noted, that is changing as is the town. It’s a good thing to see.
On the way home Hubby and I stopped at the local Mexican restaurant for margaritas and to watch the World Cup. Our waitress had an American flag sticking out of her French braid and spoke with a such a strong accent naturally we had to start up a conversation with her. It happened to be her very first Fourth of July as an American citizen, having migrated from Northern Ireland. Now, I don’t like what’s happening in this country – all the hatred and division. Some days I’m so fearful of the future I’m tempted to migrate elsewhere but she had such a glow about her that I decided not to ruin the day with politics. Even my hubby held his tongue. It was, after all, the Fourth.
Saying nothing in particular 
What a magical parade! I don’t generally do parades, but I LOVE this one. The 4th should be all about spectacles like this and not expensive Chinese fireworks aka bombs and splashy celebrations. In my humble opinion.
In the beginning there were more people in the parade then watching it! Word got around and now a lot of folks come from near by towns. We never have fireworks!
Hi Jan … It is nice to see something wholesome and organic. No hype just people in a small town coming together to do the right thing. Otherwise, what a nightmare. In fact, I just woke up from one. It is about 3:00 am here. Oh well, we all have to be somewhere, but you evidently are in a very good spot. Happy … happy day. Duke
It’s definitely a free-for-all when it comes to organization. Every group shows up at the Bart parking lot and they work out who goes first, etc. Sometimes it’s hard to figure out who’s in the parade and who’s watching. Everybody brings their dogs and sometimes the dogs don’t get along. But we’re all happy we’re here where the weather is in the 70s.
the flag in the hair made a great photo and good post title – and it looks like your parade has gotten quite vibrant
I’m still recuperating from yesterday! More pictures coming as soon as I get my wind back. Hope you had a grand day!
🙂
Hi Jen I am still on a break but your post captivated me… It’s all looks vibrant and happy… You all look to be having fun. … Sad to think that the nasty politics of the day can be rife in small town America? ( no offence you just said it’s a small town.)
It takes a lass from Northern Ireland ( a place with differences and trouble, even to this day never far from the surface) to wear a flag in her hair and restore you American pride 💜💜💜💜
Hi Willow – I’ve been worried/thinking about you! It is a small town (11k people) Most of the people are anti-Trump and even those who lean republican try not to mention his name. Brings a little hope in these dark days. Please know that you are in my thoughts, dear Willow. Hoping for all the best.
Thank you Jen … I do always love your blog. Things are a tad fraught here and your kind words have lifted me! Thank you 💜💜💜
❤️
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