July 4 - I Love a Parade

I love a parade.  While I am sure that if I could actually see the floats going by it would be more interesting, but just being there is fun as well.

We went to the local Canada Day parade on July 1.  It was fun scurrying around the house gathering up essentials like sun hats, sunscreen, and water bottles and racing out to the car.  Then there was the tension of finding a good parking spot for the vehicle and a good spot on the curb for our lawn hairs.

Waiting for the parade to start was fun in itself.  After two years of cancellations it was great to be around the crowds of happy, excited people.

Our parade started with the fire trucks.  The sirens blared and hooted and the water from the hoses gave the sidewalk crowds a good drenching.  The next noise was the approach of a marching band with an amazing bagpipe section.  I loved it! Next good came the clatter of horses’ hooves and the canned music from several of the floats. We were at a local parade where spectators knew many of those participating.  This was evidenced by the boisterous cheers and greetings from both sides.

Many of the local businesses support the parade.  Kids were treated to candy and all of us were given bottles of water.  We also scored a most welcome freezie and a bag of popcorn.  Thank you to Home Hardware in Osoyoos for your unrivalled community spirit.

Did I mention that I love a parade?  Of course, each to their own, but if you are into fun, noise, people, and excitement, a parade might be for you no matter how much or how little you can see.