Fourth of July

I went this morning to the Women's Civic Center where we were handing out ice water and lemonade to parade goers. This is the second year I've done it and it's really fun. Lots of the board members were there.

When I arrived today Mark said, "I've got a job for you." Generally all I end up doing is chit chatting with people I run into that I know. Today, Mark gave me the job of doing that very thing. As he put it, "because you know so many people." I really don't know any more people than the average person in town, but the perception is that I do. Greg is always teasing me about that so I put this story in just for his benefit.

The Fourth of July parade here is very much a little slice of Americana. I think we had all the typical things from the Shriners on bikes to horses.

It was fun to see people I know in the parade - Chris was driving his car again this year. I think I put a photo of him up last year, too - but I can't recall for sure. He has been very involved with United Way over the years and he's a great guy.

There were the usual things, and also something I'd never seen before - a foam machine. I'm not sure what you're supposed to do with it but they were squirting the parade goers every once in awhile. Again, I don't know what it is or what it's for, but apparently you can rent it. I just don't know what you do with it once you do.




There were lots of politicians out today. Diane McCarville was walking with her dog. Her husband, Joe, is a judge and is running for reelection.




Mark Treaster was in the parade. After he had walked the route he came to the civic center. His wife is on the board of the Arts and Humanities Council, which I'm also on, and this is one of our projects - restoring this building. He and Trish were chatting afterwards, and taking time to wave to folks they knew in the parade.




There were lots of politicians out today, including Frances Garcia, who I've always liked. She was a city council person for many years and is now on the county commission. She is a thoughtful person and genuinely cares about the community.

The democrats also had a float. Kathie has been such a trooper in getting these things done. It looked really nice.




Of course, every parade needs old cars...



and golf carts... it is Hutchinson where we're currently hosting the US Senior Open... we needed a golf cart in the parade



it is a farming community... you need tractors...



and horses... gotta have horses



Of course, not everyone was having a good time. This kid threw a temper tantrum three feet from his mother who didn't seem to notice. Not being a parent, I can never understand how people can ignore the piercing screams of children. He screamed, cried, stomped his feet and eventually threw himself on the ground. There was no impetus that I could determine. His sister eventually picked him up and gave him to the mother who managed to continue to ignore him. It's a skill I guess.

All in all it was a nice parade on a very nice day. It was a bit cooler today and that was a bonus.