I loved seeing the flag come down the street at the beginning of the parade. Not just the flag but the reverence given as the crowds stood and placed their hands over their hearts. I am grateful for the freedoms I enjoy because I live in this country.
It was fun experiencing the parade through Joey's eyes. I thought that the candy gathering at parades was a thing of the past. I was happy to see that my kids would get to have those memories as well. I understand that it is discouraged because kids run into the street and get hit by floats or kicked by horses. But, as far as I know, no incidents happened today. The funny thing is that, along with the candy, we had frisbees and balls tossed into the crowd. There were toys, t-shirts, Otter Pops and even hot dogs wrapped in foil tossed to the spectators. Posters, coupons, flyers and even boxes of cookies were handed out from people walking the parade. It was crazy!
At first, Joey was timid about going up to the "fog line" where kids were gathering candy. He would be devastated that he missed something.
Thankfully, the boy in the red shorts started sharing with Joey and helped him get into the game.
After a while he understood that if he missed this treat he would get the next. However, the big handouts were still sad. Doug and I really wanted the box of cookies.
He even braved jumping into the fray. Check out the melee. A bit crazy, no?! Joey is in the thick of it now.
After the parade had been going for a while I got a text from Maddie. She said to look for her with Chik-Fil-A. I didn't see her at first because I was so star struck by the cow.
She was handing out coupons and meal vouchers. How could I have missed her? Check out that beautiful smile!
The coolest school award goes to...
Joey got to slap hands with Cosmo the Cougar.
Would it be a modern parade without a walking cellphone? I think not.
Classic skate and their crazy roller skaters made me reminisce about the hours I spent roller skating with Rebecca when we were kids. So I give them the award for "Most Nostalgic."
I give the award for "Best Drill Team," to the police force.
However, if these fire trucks had driven in formation, I would have had to give the prize to them.
This float got the mayoral award for theme. The theme for this year's Fiesta Days was "Spanish Fork State of Mind." I just think it's fun to live in a town where a primary song becomes a winning parade entry. So I give them the "Spanish Fork Rocks" award.
Spanish Fork is known for it's rural sensibility. So, the Spanish Fork High School FFA wins the award for "Country Living."
"Most LDS" entry goes to...
"Most Pioneering." It is Pioneer Day after all.
We awarded Springville High School the award for "Tiniest Marching Band" in the parade. I was surprised that the band was smaller than when I was in the Italy High School marching band in the early 90s.
"Coolest Water Feature" and "Most Reflective of the Heat" goes to...
"Silliest Dancers on a Flat Bed Trailer!"
"Beehive State Award"
Are you wondering when I am going to get to Rachel? Are you wishing I would put you out of your misery and show you her happy face?" I had to wait, so you do too.
"Fiercest Dragon"
There were eleven entries for royalty. Eleven out of 98 entries! Rachel's team was number 94, so be paitent.
I'm just glad that someone recognized that royalty might want to ride a giant snail with big red lips.
Smokey the Bear was "on fire" with the crowd, except for the girl in front who hates the smell of smoke.
"Most Beautiful Birds" award.
"Punniest" award.
So many entries. So few awards.
They even had a public transit bus in the parade. Like you, I was baffled. Doug had to explain that it was advertising the new non-stop service between Provo Station and Orem/UVU area. I would have loved that back when I was in college without a car.
Look who it is! They are finally here! The mighty Bobcats! Falcon League winners!
They ended the season as league champs, city tournament champs and state tournament champs. They only lost 1 game the entire season. (17-1) Go Bobcats!
Rachel said they blasted "We Are The Champions" almost the entire time.
This was a really fun team with a great set of coaches. We are going to miss them.
Doug and I are very proud of Rachel for working hard and sticking with it the whole season.
Well, that's it for today's parade coverage. I'll let Rachel wave you out. Happy Pioneer Day!
