Day 168

10/29/22

Halloween in Anoka...the Halloween Capital of the World!
Today was the Grand Day Parade and the weather was absolutely perfect! There was a prediction of 50,000 parade-goers and I believe they were not far off the mark!

There is a ruling in the city that no chairs can be placed along the parade route until 4 a. m. on the morning of the big day. Being the rule follower that I am, I set my alarm for 3:45, dressed and headed out into the night. Little did I know that absolute herds of people had arrived before the appointed time (BOOOO!!!) and I was lucky to lug my seven chairs over to the last available footage of prime sidewalk!

After setting up shop, I took a look down 5th Avenue. I was shocked to see bumper-to-bumper traffic with flashing lights, laughter and people EVERYWHERE...it was surreal! I was a bit leery of my solo adventure in the middle of the night, but I needn't have worried. It was a party!

Heading back to bed, all four Goldens looked at me as if to say, "What kind of shenanigans have you been up to?" Ranger and I had already had a 2 a. m. date of sorts out in the backyard, so his look of interest was met with my head hitting the pillow! The other three basically yawned and went back to their slumber.

As I walked with the Goldens this morning, I noticed the signs designating the route for the Gray Ghost Run. This race is named after Doc Andberg, who used to run through the Forest Hill Cemetery. Dodging headstones and looking the part of an apparition, two women called 911 to report him. The reply explained that old Doc Andberg ran between the headstones in the cemetery to avoid confrontations with dogs. I often saw the good doctor running throughout the town and I can attest to the notion that he looked ghostly!

The race, named after the doctor, leads off the parade with such joy and creativity. The first runners to pass by are hard core, fast and driven. The rest are dressed in some of the most creative costumes you could imagine! We all cheered and laughed as they ran or walked by!

Then, the parade began in all its glory! Almost two hours of floats, bands, royalty and other interesting additions. Needless to say, it wasn't boring!

After the parade was done and the last cadence could be heard from a distant band, it was time to pack up the chairs and head home. The Goldens were almost beside themselves with joy as we entered and hugged them. I can only imagine what they thought of all the bands, sirens and other strange noises. Another walk found all of them happy, sniffing residual treats and greeting parade goers as they left the area.

People ask me if I dislike all the hubbub of the Halloween activities. There are countless Ghost Tours that stop by, parades that border our property, The Pumpkin Bowl and so much more. I LOVE it! I wouldn't want it any other way. Now, don't ask Lilly, Ranger, Gus or Sam if they love the festivities. So far, they would probably vote for normalcy!

Just wait until they get a chance to greet our Trick-or-treaters!!! Their vote might just change!