The older 2 are in college now and the little fellow riding in the wagon is 18 now and a senior in high school. In 1997 they had a little brother who has joined them in being in the parade. Times change but one thing remains the same, we love this 4th of July celebration. Each year we gather at a tiny town on the Missouri border that has a population of less than 100.We are joined by several hundred others who like the old time traditions of a small town 4th of July celebration.We honor the flag and hear the Star Spangled Banner,we applaud the parade,we lounge around in our lawn chairs sipping lemonade and getting our lunch from the 4H food stand. We hoot and holler for our favorites in the talent contest, we watch and cheer on the games, foot races and competitions.We visit with people we only see once a year here. Low key fun time for us. Each year our grandson's are in the parade just as their mother has been since she was a child. Now the boys drive tractors, motor cycles, antique cars or ride on floats. Our son the father of these boys has also been in each parade for over 25 years, all since he fell in love with the girl who become his wife. With that Fritz and I also developed this tradition of attending the 4th of July celebration for the last 25 years or so.
Boy Genius often drives his restored pickup in the parade. Sometimes Wife of Boy Genius joins him sometimes she is on the church float.
Life is good in our little corner of the big wide world and I hope it is good where you are.
God Bless America!
Comments (15)
I'm going to pass on the big parade in Clinton this year if it is still 100+. Just can't handle it. We do the same things in our little town and the nearby towns too. Everyone goes to each town to view their celebration. Such fun!
So thankful for small towns, and small town spirits! Love the truck~
oh my, how i miss those hometown parades!! what fun!! waving flags and sipping lemonade!! Such simple fun!!! I remember one specific Christmas parade in my little hometown ... one of the women's groups (ESA ?) was batching up some homemade chili ... and that aroma wafted through the chilly air ... people were drawn to that chili stand like zombies! haha
Love small town America! What a wonderful tradition. That truck is gorgeous! They don't make 'em like that anymore. Hope you have a wonderful 4th!
I think Bobby likes the parades more than the fireworks. Too many mosquitos and watching fireworks from a building loses something. Grand Prairie will have the high school bands, probably a flat bed trailer with square dancers and because we have a lot of hispanics in the city, I am sure we will have a mariache band with all the girls dressed in their beautiful dresses. Of course the scout dens and troops will be there. Grand Prairie is a medium sized city that hasn't grown up yet. I can still walk into the pharmacy and they know me by name, the restaurants know what I generally drink with my lunches, and the grocery sacker is teaching me Spanish one item at a time. He brings an extra sack and one by one he transfers the full sack into that one leache, pan. agua, papas..etc holding them one by one until I repeat it correctly (but don't pay any attention to my spelling as they spell funny. "J" sounds like "H". I look forward to our parade as I'm sure you do. Happy 4th!
Sounds pretty sweet! And oh, it's your birthday? Today? Well, if it is, HAPPY, HAPPY!!! In our town there's a parade, which we (our family) have all been in for one reason or another. I'm skipping it this year. But, it is small townish, even though there's about 40,00 people here and when you add the throngs that come up from the scorching hot city...well, it's a big ole crowd. My favorite part of the parade, the horses, have been taken out. Bummer. but the bands are still in. So, Happy Birthday and have a fun Fourth! And yes, God Bless America, no matter what!
we are having the parade on the lake again this year.
1995 wasn't that long ago, was it? lol they are cute!
Yes, God bless America. Our town is celebrating on Sat. instead of Mon. but at least there will be a parade, concert, and fireworks. We're having friends over for a picnic Mon.
Small town America! The true spirit of the Fourth comes out and brings a lump in your throat.
@mommachatter - Sounds like a great celebration! No it is was not my birthday but thanks anyway, very sweet to get good wishes anytime I can get them!
@Richgem - No not my birthday but thanks anyway!
Have a Happy 4th of July!
@WildWomanOfTheWest - @windupherskirt - @Babyboomerjill - @Dominie - @SealedbyGrace - May each of you have a nice 4th of July! The truck my son rebuilt to perfection ans spent many hours, days, weeks, months and years on it but it was certainly worth it, thanks for your comments on it.
Neat pix and neat celebration--love it! There is nothing better than a downhome, homegrown birthday party for our country! Isn't it nice that your son's marriage drew you into this??
It was the closest thing I could get to fireworks with these worn out minis. I can't understand why a smiling sun says I am going to barf...why a sweet smiling popcicle says "Eat Me" or a strawberry with that cat that age the canary grin says "Oh yeah!?...well...you" or a heart that also has a smile that says "Really sucks"....I wish they would just give us the pictures and let us write the quotes. See? Just look at that happy little white cloud that is going to "Rain on your parade"
@AmericanJanet - Yes indeed. Thanks for the comment and you have a nice 4th of July!
@mommachatter - Thanks! Yes I often am disappointed in what is written on these minis and would like to have my own text...nevertheless it is the thought that counts and I appreciate your comment.
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