Thinking back on this year’s Labor Day parade, it really felt different. Not sure why exactly, maybe just getting older, or maybe we actually hit some real milestones this time around.
I remember how I first got involved. Seems like ages ago. Wasn’t really planning it. Just showed up to watch one year, someone needed an extra hand holding a banner, and bam, suddenly I was part of the crew. Didn’t know what I was doing, just trying not to trip mostly.
Getting Ready This Year
This year, the prep felt… bigger. More organized, maybe? We started meeting way back in June. Usually it’s a mad scramble in August. We actually had a proper list this time.
- Figuring out the float theme. Always a debate, that one.
- Getting the permits sorted. You’d think after all these years, it’d be easier. Nope.
- Rounding up volunteers. Like herding cats, sometimes. But good people, always step up.
- Building the actual floats. Lots of paint, wood, and hope involved.
We spent a few weekends down at the community hall, hammering away. My job was mostly fetching stuff and trying to keep the paint off my good jeans. Failed at that last part, obviously. There was this one afternoon, trying to attach the big sign to the main float, wind kicked up, nearly took the whole thing sailing down the street. Classic parade prep chaos.
Parade Day and Those Milestones
Then came the actual day. Always starts early. Too early. Getting everything lined up, last minute fixes. Someone always forgets something. This year it was the generator fuel for the sound system. Quick run to the gas station saved the day.
But walking the route… that’s when it hits you. Seeing all the people lined up. The kids waving. It’s pretty special. This year felt smoother. Maybe that was the first milestone? Less panic during the actual parade.
And here’s what really felt like milestones to me:
- The Kids’ Section: We finally got that junior float looking halfway decent! For years it’s been a bit sad looking. This time, the kids really owned it, decorated it themselves mostly. They were so proud. That felt huge.
- Old Timers’ Band: They actually played in sync! Mostly! And they finished the whole route without anyone needing a break. That’s definitely a first. Good on them.
- Community Turnout: Honestly, it felt like more people came out than ever before. The sidewalks were packed. After the last couple of weird years, seeing everyone together like that, felt really important. A milestone for the town, maybe.
Wrapping It Up
So yeah, we did it again. Pulled it off. Every year afterwards, I sit down and try to remember the little things. Don’t take many photos, too busy in the moment. But I try to make mental notes, jot things down later. Like this. Helps sort it out, see what we actually achieved.
It’s a lot of work for a couple of hours walking down Main Street. Sometimes you wonder why you bother. But then you see the faces, you feel that community buzz. And you remember those little wins, those milestones. Guess that’s why we keep doing it.
