Squirming all around me were countless children holding empty bags. They were near giddy as they stared down the empty street, waiting to hear the signal from the local police department’s squad car. The annual holiday parade was about to begin. Unbeknownst to me, this particular parade provides a near-continuous shower of candy.
The siren could be heard. The parade had begun.
This year’s theme was “Tractors”. This particular little community is primarily born of agriculture. Thus, there was a plethora of vehicular celebrities. The collection included antiques-to-the latest models. I believe there were nearly 40 in total. It was like watching a living museum of John Deere, Ford, and International Harvester. Some were sporting festive attire of the season: wreaths, garlands, and Santa hats. Some were simply driven as a point of pride. Whatever, the case, there was a constant rain of candy being flung to the crowd.
Parades are very much a holiday tradition across America. My life’s journey has allowed me to experience several of these spectacles, including the infamous Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade in New York City. Common among all of them, is the excitement in the eyes of the children. This parade was not an exception.
Unique to a small town parade, is the familiarity of the crowd to the participants. After all, it is the local high school band, Girl Scout troupe, Boy Scout troupe and various civic groups which provide the sounds of the season. You could spot proud mothers waiving to their sons and daughters while grandparents held their cell phones high, snapping photos of their loved ones. For me, this is what makes this experience priceless.
Soon, the processional was filled with the vehicles of local politicians, flinging candy as if each piece may be a potential vote. Vintage “muscle cars”, antique motorcars, and adorned 4-wheelers joined the cavalcade of entertainment. In addition, local businesses use this event as a venue to advertise their product or service. As such, there were local funeral homes, septic tank diggers, and beauty parlors in the lineup.
Catching my eye, was a 1970’s vintage white convertible Cadillac—top down, blasting a song over an attached loud speaker. It was “CAR WASH” by Rose Royce. The Cadillac was followed by a dancing bucket of soap. The costumed gentleman had a collection of sponges taped to his head which flopped about as he gyrated various dance moves. I hope this was an advertisement for a car wash. However, I am still not certain.
Not to be outdone, was a collection of near 20 “extraterrestrials” in homemade “Star Wars” costumes. I am not sure how this related to the holiday season, but it certainly kept the children occupied, as these aliens knew to throw candy as well.
Yes, Santa was present. So were his elves in various sizes and degrees of believability. In addition, Mary and Joseph could be counted among this processional. Mary on an actual donkey, while Joseph sported a ¾ bathrobe, revealing his Wrangler jeans and cowboy boots.
The crowd can be equally as entertaining. Standing next to me was a couple who brought their pet pink pig with them. The owner sported a shock of pink hair and a matching pink Santa cap. The little porcine wonder would occasionally squeal in delight.
As the children continued to fill their bags with candy, I realized that this is what makes memories. This is the legacy that each generation passes to the next. In a world of cellphone hysteria, I am delighted this tradition continues. For a few moments, texting is on hold and priorities are shifted. Life’s focus seems to include each other.
For this, I too, wait in much anticipation.
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