Day 530
The "Calm Before the Storm"...
There are many types of storms in Minnesota. We have our tornadoes, blizzards and other weather-related occurrences that catch our attention. Today was a different kind of storm.
Heading out on my first walk with Sam, even the puppy noticed something in the air. It was the hint of excitement and anticipation yet to unleash its fury. Yet, the sidewalks were lonely and the streets vacant.
The second walk found Gus feeling the change as well. This time, there were signs up and a bit more activity in the neighborhood. By the time Lilly and Ranger donned their collars and took off at a slower pace than their brothers, there was no denying that something big was in the works...The Anoka Halloween Grand Day Parade!
Early in the morning, NUMEROUS signs and barriers are placed strategically to herd various parties in the direction of their destination. 40,000 spectators, a plethora of floats, bands, various business entries and a variety of other entertainers needed to find their place so the show could begin...not to mention the swarm of parade-goers who needed to find a place to sit.
The first sign of the approaching parade was a fly-over by WWll planes in formation. This was followed by The Gray Ghost Run, where hundreds of racers clamber down the street in amazing costumes. Talk about People Watching! Then the sirens alert those parade-goers on the side of the roads (Sweet Katie set up chairs this morning at 4:00 a. m.) that the big event is close at hand!
We sat with family and neighbors to cheer, laugh, gather loads of candy and simply enjoy the show. About one hour into the spectacle, I found myself wondering what it was about a parade that draws thousands of spectators to sit obediently on the curb and act like it is the best show EVER! I needed to ponder that for a moment or two before I came up with a possible answer...pure, wholesome entertainment (full of nostalgia) that can be enjoyed by any age. The waving queens, the floats, the bands and every other entry were not the type of amusement today's citizens typically enjoy. There was little technology, no stage-quality singers or dancers or anything else that might catch the attention of a 2023 crowd, yet we all sat there enraptured.
I believe it is the simple, pure, decent offering for the entire family. We could all gather together to laugh, cheer, wave and enjoy this event with such meaningful ties to our past. Many watchers had marched or been a part of the parade in years past and submerged memories suddenly took flight as if they had a life of their own. Stories flow and smiles abound. All this for free!!! Who doesn't enjoy a parade?
During the parade, my pups were tucked safely away in the house, but they were sure happy when we returned. Maybe, next year Ranger and Lilly could be the Grand Marshalls!
