There are few things that draws as much interest from so many Americans as a parade. It doesn't matter what the occasion, be it Memorial Day, or Veterans Day, or Independence Day.
We love to watch them, even sitting in front of the tv, we can watch the big gala festivals, from the bowl game parades on New Year's Day to the Macy's Parade at Thanksgiving Day. Sometimes it is hard to even avoid watching a parade. We might just be driving and come across one when the traffic becomes bogged down. Before you realize it, you are looking for a place to park, so you can catch a glimpse of the events marching down Main St.
We love driving down side streets looking for a place to park, then walking a couple blocks to the parade route. Some of us already have locations plotted where we think we may catch a better view. As we line the route, the crowd gets bigger and the excitement grows. People watch the clock as the starting time gets nearer.
Looking around, you see many sights. People of all ages lining the street, many with children, some in strollers, some on shoulders. Others just standing holding the hand of an adult. You see many kids riding all over the street on bikes decorated with streamers.
The vendors selling everything from candy to soda to kazoos, buttons, and balloons. If you have children, you will buy some kind of food, probably the cotton candy or candy apples. If you are by yourself, you will probably buy it for yourself and hope you don't make a mess of yourself.
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Once the parade starts, you find you are a kid again. Everything unfolding before you is bound to get you into the holiday spirit. The numerous bands that march down the street all sound good to you. It is sometimes hard to pick the best one, especially when you see the effort they are putting into their performance. The clowns are making the kids and even adults laugh. You applaud the scout troops and packs, the youth ball teams, and of course, the Veteran Organizations. The ROTC is there as is the military which is usually represented in one form or another, even if you may not have a unit or base near you.
If you have someone close to you that is performing, you probably have a camera and are hoping you brought enough film. Catching a glimpse of the organization they are with, you jocky around for the best view to take your pictures, eyeing the policeman to see just how far he will let you get to take your shots. You want to catch the smile and excitement on their face when they see you taking pictures, waving and yelling hello all in the same breath. You are also probably saying a silent prayer that some kid don't run you down with their mountain bike.
The parade is winding down now. You can sense it. You also remember that you have a grill waiting for you once you get home, and can almost taste and smell the burgers and hot dogs. If your cookouts are like mine, there's also chicken and corn on the cob, not to mention the salads and other trimmings. Cookout will hit the spot right now, and then there's tonight! You finish your cookout and try to relax a bit before you head for the best vantage point to view the fireworks display. The kids have their sparklers and are almost excited as you. To view the show, click on the National Parade link below, then download the midi, which you can play as part of the show. If you have other midis suitable, you can use them also. Enjoy and have a happy and safe 4th. The above mentioned show link is not available at this time.
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