A Parade!

I love a parade!

Each year our community hosts a parade to celebrate the

Cherokee Strip Land Run.

We get to town early to place our chairs on the square~

we "stake" our claim to a great spot to watch the parade.

(Handsome Man's family has a spot in the same place every year.)

Our high school band marches and plays our school song.

Home town people stand and clap and sing the song.

Other bands come from around the area and compete.

We have a lot of pride in our community!

The parade always begins with the presentation of colors;

it's so heartwarming to see everyone rise, place their hands on their hearts,

and men take off their hats and caps~to show respect for our

Nation's Military & Flag, the symbol of our freedom as they pass by.

And, as you can see there are many more flags displayed throughout the parade.  Lots of U.S. Flags and lots of pride!

We have a local museum that has many memorabilia

of our community's history.

There is also a One~Room Schoolhouse that many

schools from across the state come to visit and

reinact a school day from the past.

(And, yes~there is a school marm.)

Fire trucks and Flags!

(Also, lots and lots of sirens!)

The Super~Witch,

(it's much quieter this way!)

Oh, and yes~there is a carnival around the corner for more entertainment.

Not a part of the carnival...

But, yes, there were camels in our parade.

You know I'm partial to Green,

and I loved his sign, too!

Our parade closes with horses and...

the street cleaner.

Following the parade, families gather around the square and eat lunch from at least one of the many food vendors.  Many organizations have a tent and offer bar-b-que sandwiches or hamburgers.  We supported the Band Boosters this year.  Then, my daughter and I walked around and viewed many fine vendors with lots to sell; from clothing, jewelry, baskets to yes, even Sandy Candy.  After we toured and made our purchases (not~Sandy Candy) we splurged and had our once a year, Funnel Cake.  Yum!  It's a great time to catch up with old friends, many people come back home for the celebration. 

Love my Small Town,

MFSD