Is there anything more Americana than a small town parade? Even if the parade is in celebration of the life of a European minister, small towns go all out and the atmosphere is always charged with joy and expectation. Children line up in the front row with empty bags in hand, waiting for the initial launching of candy from the first float. Parents mingle with other adults and enter into pleasant conversation. In the distance the sound of drums beating and brass instruments tuning up announce that the big event is about to begin.
As I stood along a street in the tiny town of Avoca last Saturday it occurred to me that everyone seems happy when attending a parade. I never saw a long face in the crowd. People are generally more pleasant and patient at parades. I find them more gracious and giving.
It further occurs to me that I have never seen a brawl break out at a parade. I'm sure that it has happened somewhere at some time, but I have never seen one. Over the years I've been to countless parades, making the observation all the more significant in my mind. I've seen fist fights and shoving matches break out at all kinds of other gatherings of large numbers of people: sporting events, concerts, county fairs, parties, tractor pulls, you name it. I even saw a fight break out at a flea market one time, but never at a parade.
What is it about a parade that makes us better people? I know that I'm a better person at a parade. This is true unless some moron suddenly stands in front of me while I sit in my favorite lawn chair (which happens to have a cup holder and a head rest. It's a thing of beauty.) Then I get cranky. Inconsiderate people tend to make me so. But other than that, I am a decent person and downright neighborly when I go to a parade. My lovely wife, Lisa, even admits to others that she knows me when we're at parades.
Maybe the world needs more parades.
At any rate, the following pics were taken at last Saturday's St. Pat's Day parade in Avoca, Wisconsin. I was not the photographer. Lisa captured these scenes I must say that she did a spectacular job of it.
After the passing of the color guard came a group of people in green shirts. Some rode a wagon, others walked, and others still rode motorcycles. There were no signs indicating what they were about, but they seemed to be having fun.
While small in number and some in stature, these Irish dancers were a delight. Particularly the little one that is just beginning to step out and perform her solo routine.
Somehow the parade planners were able to come up with a genuine Leprechaun. I personally viewed this as crude and repulsive. It was clearly an exploitation of this particular Leprechaun and belittling to Leprechauns in general. They do not wear green suits. They do not wear green top hats. They most definitely do not wear sunglasses. And where in the heck is his little pot of gold? I hate to say it, but I am beginning to doubt that he is actually a Leprechaun at all.
A few members of the U.W. Madison Marching Band joined in the festivities. They were quite a highlight for the crowd. Go Badgers!
By far the biggest highlight, and most disturbing site, was this individual. We don't know what his story was, and we do not want to know. We shielded the eyes of Grace and Addy as he came down the street and we prayed that he would not stop by to offer them candy.
As I stood along a street in the tiny town of Avoca last Saturday it occurred to me that everyone seems happy when attending a parade. I never saw a long face in the crowd. People are generally more pleasant and patient at parades. I find them more gracious and giving.
It further occurs to me that I have never seen a brawl break out at a parade. I'm sure that it has happened somewhere at some time, but I have never seen one. Over the years I've been to countless parades, making the observation all the more significant in my mind. I've seen fist fights and shoving matches break out at all kinds of other gatherings of large numbers of people: sporting events, concerts, county fairs, parties, tractor pulls, you name it. I even saw a fight break out at a flea market one time, but never at a parade.
What is it about a parade that makes us better people? I know that I'm a better person at a parade. This is true unless some moron suddenly stands in front of me while I sit in my favorite lawn chair (which happens to have a cup holder and a head rest. It's a thing of beauty.) Then I get cranky. Inconsiderate people tend to make me so. But other than that, I am a decent person and downright neighborly when I go to a parade. My lovely wife, Lisa, even admits to others that she knows me when we're at parades.
Maybe the world needs more parades.
At any rate, the following pics were taken at last Saturday's St. Pat's Day parade in Avoca, Wisconsin. I was not the photographer. Lisa captured these scenes I must say that she did a spectacular job of it.
After the passing of the color guard came a group of people in green shirts. Some rode a wagon, others walked, and others still rode motorcycles. There were no signs indicating what they were about, but they seemed to be having fun.
While small in number and some in stature, these Irish dancers were a delight. Particularly the little one that is just beginning to step out and perform her solo routine.
Ah yes, you've got to love small town parades. Even garbage trucks are considered float material. The amount of decorating done to this garbage truck must have taken hours to complete and, no doubt, must have cost the owner a great deal.
Addy and Grace always enjoy a good parade. It provides them with candy, something that we do not buy, for a few weeks or even months. I happened to notice that they were hesitant about going after the candy that came shooting out of the garbage truck.
Nathan was in charge of our dog, Dugal. Yes, even on St. Patrick's day we McDougals wear Packer garb. Nathan is clearly thrilled to be at this exciting event, as is Dugal. So much for my parade theory.
Somehow the parade planners were able to come up with a genuine Leprechaun. I personally viewed this as crude and repulsive. It was clearly an exploitation of this particular Leprechaun and belittling to Leprechauns in general. They do not wear green suits. They do not wear green top hats. They most definitely do not wear sunglasses. And where in the heck is his little pot of gold? I hate to say it, but I am beginning to doubt that he is actually a Leprechaun at all.
A few members of the U.W. Madison Marching Band joined in the festivities. They were quite a highlight for the crowd. Go Badgers!
By far the biggest highlight, and most disturbing site, was this individual. We don't know what his story was, and we do not want to know. We shielded the eyes of Grace and Addy as he came down the street and we prayed that he would not stop by to offer them candy.
You're right Don, I was disturbed (still am) about those last 2 pics!! TC
ReplyDeleteSo sorry. As painful as it was, journalistic integrity demanded that these pictures be posted.
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