I love me a parade. Always have, always will. From when I was a little girl, to the years when my daughters were small, and now more recently, attending with my granddarlings, I’m entranced with the marching bands, floats, noisy go-carts with overgrown men stuffed in the driver’s seat, the tossed candy . . . The whole thing is just full of good, old-fashioned fun.
Parades have been around for centuries. Perhaps the earliest depiction is one found from drawings in a Spanish cave, evidently celebrating a successful hunt. George Washington threw numerous parades to boost morale during the Revolutionary War. Imagine the euphoria from the impromptu parades all over the country in 1945–to celebrate the end of World War 2!
With the advent of television and time, the parades got bigger and more elaborate. Who hasn’t heard of the Mardi Gras Parade, the Macy’s Thanksgiving Parade, the Rose Bowl Parade, 4th of July Parades, and on and on?
I’m not alone in my love for parades.
Recently, we attended the annual parade in the small town near our cabin at the lake. No need to arrive 60-90 minutes early to save a spot, but we did mark our claim with chairs about a half hour beforehand. Parking isn’t a problem at all. Shade, a bit more so. The parade is over before we can barely think of it – only 45 minutes long.
The granddarlings bring a blanket and games and wait excitedly for that first police car escort to appear, signaling the parade is going to begin. Of course, each of the kids bring sacks to keep their candy haul. The treats have been upgraded lately–popsicles, water bottles, t-shirts, swag, and of course, more candy than a kid could (or should!) eat.
Here’s a few pictures to show what I mean:
Remember those overgrown men stuffed into little go-carts? They were having a ball doing figure-eights in the street.
Who doesn’t love getting their picture taken with a couple of parade clowns?
A colorful (and patriotic!) train locomotive.
Best-laid plans sometimes go awry. This old-time trolley broke down and needed a little manpower to get it off the parade route.
He’s ready to make his move for the next round of candy-tossing. Note the loot already in his bag! 🙂
Afterward, we played bingo at the local park, had some free watermelon, came out to the cabin to roast hot dogs and s’mores, and then headed home.
It was a lovely day, one that fills my heart with happy memories.
Do you love a parade as much as I do?
Have you watched a parade recently from the comfort of your lawn chair?
Or do you prefer to watch on TV?
Let’s chat – and you can win a bag of parade candy!
Pam has written 30 romances, most of them historical westerns, but she's proud of her contemporary sweet romances featuring the Blackstone Ranch series published by Tule Publishing, too! Stay up on the latest at www.pamcrooks.com
When my oldest two were in Little League, they were invited to walk in the parade for Cal Ripken in honor of him going in the Hall of Fame. I was supposed to drop off the kids and then meet them at the end of the parade. Except, the dads and coaches didn’t show up, so the moms had to accompany the kids in the parade down Main St. Wasn’t prepared for that.
But, I did bring a baseball, and I was able to get Cal’s autograph for the boys after his speech. We were on the evening news, too. I also have a special lanyard with a Cal baseball card for being in the parade.
Oh, wow, Denise! The dads and coaches were a no-show?? Sounds like a major communication snafu. But the moms came through, and you emerged victorious with your autograph (wow!!) and the baseball card/lanyard. Being on the news was icing on the cake. What a fun story!
I’m a little jealous you got to walk in the parade. I think it would be so fun to wave at the people lining the streets!!
The only parade’s here are downtown and it’s a nightmare to find parking.
I hear you, Kim. We have a Septemberfest parade that is huge here. We have to get there an hour early for parking. My husband brings donuts, which helps the granddarlings pass the time while we wait.
All part of it, I guess, eh?
I enjoyed taking my son to parades when he was a child, but now I just mostly watch on TV. I like to see the giant balloons and hear the bands.
Yes, the giant balloons! My little parade didn’t have any of those, but I’ve seen them in bigger parades. It takes a whole lot of people to maneuver them under power lines, don’t they? LOL.
The bands are a big plus, too. It’s so good for those kids to get to play in a fun atmosphere like a parade instead of the usual school functions. They deserve to show off a little!!
When I was younger and had grandchildren in the parades, I would attend. I was involved in scouting and would be in the parades. Now I usually don’t watch parades.
Good morning, karijean. We were a big scouting family, but I don’t recall my brothers being in a parade. What a fun thing for the Scouts to do–and it’s good ‘advertising’ for other kids, too.
I hope scouting is around for a long time to come. The boys (and now girls) learn so many valuable skills.
Smallish college town..parade parking crazy and is paid!!
That’s probably the worst, isn’t it? The parking? I envy those who live right on the parade route!!
I love parades. My dad was one of those men who rode in small cars, my uncle was a clown. My daughter was in HS band and as much as I loved parades I hated the year her director thought full uniforms were a good idea in Texas July heat. We had a few fall out, after that they wore jeans and matching tees. I love summer as long as we don’t get 100 plus with humidity to match.
Aw, another parade lover!! Wow – your family was super-involved. Parades run in your blood, Margie!!
I agree about those uniforms!! Matching shorts and T-shirts should be mandatory. LOL. Even jeans sound hot to me.
I used to love parades as a child, but now that I suffer from anxiety and panic attacks, I try to avoid large crowds. I still watch on TV. My town does have a few parades throughout the year, mostly in the holiday season, my family attend every year and livestreams so I can feel like I’m there, lol
Sympathies on the anxiety and panic attacks, Laura. I have a couple of family members who struggle with them, too. No fun.
But you are making the most of it with those livestreams. How thoughtful of your family to do that for you. Yes, the next best thing!!
I used to love a parade until there were just too many rude people for me to contend with. I love the small town ones. My husband came from a very small town in Michigan. The parade barely lasted 30 minutes but it was so much fun and after they had activities down on the lake shore. In my old home, I used to march with the Girl Scouts.
Your Michigan parade sounds very similar to mine, Debby. Small towns have such a huge advantage in that everyone knows each other. I bet the whole town showed up at the one and only park after the parade to eat, ride the carnival, drink beer, and lots of other activities. Wonderful times for everyone!
Generally the only parade I see every year is the Union City Homecoming parade. It runs down the main street of UC and is just outside our office door so we go stand and watch. I’m guessing it is less than a half hour long but the kids enjoy the candy.
Yay! No parking headaches for you, Naomi!
I love watching the kids scramble for the candy. My daughters take most of it away, though, and freeze it for Halloween. 🙂
I love parades. I love watching the kids scrambling to get candy. I know live in a small town. They do a Christmas parade right after thanksgiving. Santa and Mrs Claus are at the end.
Oh, a Christmas parade!!! Now that’s one I’ve never attended! You must live in a warm part of the country, Nancy. It would never happen here in Nebraska, that’s for sure! 🙂
Looks like a fun time, Pam! Our neighborhood has a 4th of July parade every year with decorated golf carts and kids on their bicycles. I’m a humbug who never goes, though. Maybe when I have grandkids that will change. 🙂 All of my kids were in marching band in high school, so they participated in many parades, including a couple at Disney World. 🙂 I appreciate the local spirit of getting out and having fun with your neighbors. We could use more of that in this world.
Ah, yes. Grandkids change everything, Karen. You truly begin to see the world through their eyes, and you’re so much more patient and tolerant. Hopefully, your grandkids will live in your town. I predict you’ll become a parade-lover then! 🙂
And so true about enjoying life with your neighbors. Those days are gone for too many, I’m afraid.
Looks like a great time. It’s been a while since I’ve gone to a parade but I don’t like dealing with the logistics of getting there so I prefer to watch on tv. Thanks for the chance to win a prize.
Howdy, Vickie! There are definite advantages to watching parades on TV. The interviews, the commentary, the close-ups, etc, really do add a lot. And sometimes, you just can’t beat the comfort of your living room couch!!
I have ridden with hubs driving our local volunteer fire trick through the county fair parade for many years – he will be going solo this year as I will need to stay with his dad on that day!
A parade is not a parade without those big, shiny fire trucks, Teresa! Kids love them, and they add to the allure and honor of being a fireman. I love that your husband volunteers. What a valuable service he provides so willingly.
I love watching parades but my husband not so much! Lol I haven’t seen a parade for a long time. It sounds like you had a lot of fun.
We did have a lot of fun, Barbara. I’m fortunate that my husband loves parades, too.
Although, in truth, he loves the grandkids being there more. That’s his big draw. 🙂
when our oldest was in cub scouts and boy scouts, every year there was a fourth of July parade. our daughter and I would sit on the side lines cheering them on and taking lots of pictures. sometimes we would walk to the nearest McDonalds and get a shake.
Oh, fun memories, Lori!! The anticipation of seeing your sons approach and walk by is as much fun as waiting for the whole parade to start!!
My daughters were never in scouts or bands so they never got to be in a parade. Bummer.
I don’t know the last time I went to a parade, and I know I haven’t watched one on TV in years! I love seeing the floats, I just hate hearing all of the commentary they do! lol!!
LOL! Well, I think commentary has advantages, but it can be a distraction, can’t it?
Yes, floats are fun, too!
Parades are wonderful and special. They give me such enjoyment and are cheerful and fun especially for the grandchildren. When I was young there was parades in town that everyone gathered for. I miss those days.
Hi, Anne! The day will come when we won’t be able to keep the cabin, so we probably won’t make the drive to see the parade, and I will miss those days TERRIBLY when it happens!
How fun! I do enjoy parades, but haven’t been to one in years. We used to go to parades all the time it seems. Since my mom is from Tampa, we went to the Gasparilla parade and got to dress up like pirates and catch beads. Once, my uncle was in a parade with his pickup truck and my sister & I got to ride in the truck bed and throw out candy! 🙂
And that memory of riding in the truck bed and throwing out candy is still with you, isn’t it, Bridget?
Parades will do that to a person. 🙂 🙂
I am A big fan of parades and love them. Watching them in person is an experience that is memorable. It isn’t the same on TV at all. Summer parades are such a happy and wonderful thing to see. I am always ready for a parade and look forward to this sight.
I’m with you 110% that parades are happy and wonderful events!
I guess they wouldn’t still be around (like in hundreds of years later with George Washington) if they weren’t, right? 🙂
I love to watch parades. I grew up watching and being in hometown parades. As an adult I have spent many New Year’s Days at my daughter’s in Pasadena and gone to the Rose Parades. It is the mother of all parades. Everyone should put it on their bucket list of things to do.
Oooooh, the Rose Parade!!!!!
What an experience, but I can’t imagine how you would find a place to park?!? And contending with the traffic would not be for the faint of heart. But, wow. Definitely something to see if you can make it happen!
I love parades! I was actually in one when I was a kid, the small local town parade. We actually won the best theme that year. It was a archery club. So it was cowboys and indians. Definitely not something that would be done today
Hmm. Well, PC aside, it was an achievement for your archery club that sounds well deserved.
My grandsons love archery!
I have not watched a parade recently.
Maybe some time, Bridgette . . .
Parades make me feel as if I have traveled back in time to when I was 10 years old. From a simpler, easier and safer era. I try to find joy everyday and when I can attend a parade I make sure to be there. It makes my day. This year 4th parade in the neighborhood brought tears to my eyes.
Oh, Laini, what a big heart you have. Hugs!!
I don’t think I ever watched a parade live. When I was in elementary school, I was in three Christmas parades each year for batoning & pompoming. After that my migraines got real bad so watching the Macy’s parade on TV was good enough. Now once in a while my girls are in a parade for a club with their school but my parents take them(again my migraines). When I was little, I was always a little sad because being in it, I always missed out on seeing it and the fun of candy being thrown at me.
Oh, Joannie, you are certainly in a unique situation with your migraines. I know how miserable they can be. Sympathies!
I can see how you felt deprived of the parade experience, but at least you participated in several, and there’s lots of kids who would have LOVED that! Thank goodness for TV. That is the perfect solution for you.
I love watching parades, especially ones with floats in them.
When I was in high school, I was in a group that marched wihit the band. We performed at football games, parades and competitive events.
Were you in something like a drill team with the band, Joye?
Regardless, your group must have been good to perform in places with so many people to watch. Super fun–and worth all the practices, right? 🙂
Hey Pam! I enjoy parades and used to ride a float with the band when I was in school.
Wow! The band was on a float? Or you were on the float while the band marched? LOL.
Either way, riding a float would be so cool because people love floats! They are definitely one of the best parts of a parade!
The band was on a float ;o)
I dropped out of the band when they wanted us to march in the heat and play. Yikes
like parades, both
Me, too, bn100!
I love to watch a parade in a chair. In Wichita an officer would move us back and the bop off somewhere others to stand in front if us. He never would do anything. In Great Falls it is fun to watch the the parades. The Snake Saturday Patade in KC, KS is a favorite of mine.
Hi, David Bibb! I had to Google Snake Saturday. That was a new one for me, but their parades are in honor of the Irish! Fun! Ethnic parades really seem to have alot of pride and spirit as their focus. We have a couple of Italian themed parades (Santa Lucia, etc), and being an Italian Catholic, they made me feel especially proud.
It has been years since I last went to a parade… growing up I used to watch my dad and his fellow volunteer firefighters join in our local parades…
Firemen and their big shiny trucks are such an important part of parades! Kids are fascinated by them.
Hope you get to a parade soon. Just find a shady spot in your lawn chair and settle in. You won’t regret it. LOL!
I haven’t been to a parade in years.
You never know, Quilt Lady. You might get a chance to go . . . 🙂
I’ve always loved parades! I had a chance to ride on the fire truck in our local Christmas parade when I was around five years old. My uncle was the fire marshal & was taking all his nieces & nephews on the truck with him, but I wanted to WATCH the parade, so I opted out. 😀
The annual Christmas parade in our little town used to go right in front of my parents’ house. It was great when the weather was really cold to be able to sit inside & watch it through the front windows. And when the weather was nice, we could sit on the porch or the steps out front & watch. Plus we didn’t have to fight to find a parking place downtown! They eventually changed the route to bypass the little hill in front of my parents’ house & we were sad, but it made some cool memories for several years!
Oh, what lovely memories, Lori. Your family truly had the best seats when the parade went by. Like I mentioned earlier, we don’t have Christmas parades here, so my imagination is running with how festive one could be. I’m guessing the bands played Christmas carols? And you probably had Santa and Mrs. Claus, too. That right there would be a fun memory for the kids.
Thanks for sharing!
I used to love attending them when I was a young. Now I usually prefer to watch them on TV. Less stressful on my body.
There is that, Cherie, yes. More relaxing, for sure.
I love a good parade! My family and I used to attend our city’s founders day parade each year. The best part was that we didn’t have to drive anywhere to see it, because the parade route came right by our house! Candy, floats, and marching bands, it was such fun!
That is the PERFECT parade experience, Sabrina!! You were so fortunate to live on just the right street. Yay!
Thank you so much for sharing. I have not been to a parade in years. I loved the floats. It is hard to be in a wheelchair and go out. God bless you.
Good morning, Debra. I’m hopeful you can catch a parade or two on TV from the comfort of your chair some time. It’s the next best thing, right?
God bless you as well.
Are you pilfering your granddarlings’ parade loot? 🙂
We do. love parades. Whether we are watching them or in them. I have helped make floats for Girl Scouts and Boy Scouts and ridden on some of them. i have watched our children and my husband and friends in parades. We have marched in the parade for military organizations, Honor Flight, and the Red Cross. At this point, I am just glad to be able to sit back and watch them go by.
When I was much younger, I would go to my aunt’s for their small town’s parade. It went by her house which was very convenient. Afterwards there was a small festival with some food (nothing like they have today) and games. She always ran the nickel toss game for her American Legion Post. I would spend the day helping her, setting up the dishes and retrieving the coins. Afterwards we would go back to her house and she would have macaroni salad and hotdogs with her special meat sauce. (In Northern New York State, they are called Michigan Red Hots.)
Today, my favorite is our town’s Christmas Parade. Sometimes they have moving floats and marching units. Many years they have a stationary floats. It is a historic town (the oldest in the state). they have the parade at night with the floats set up like stages parked along Main Street. The people are the ones who move along the “parade route.” It makes for a very nice night. There are food vendors and a couple of the churches hand out hot chocolate and hot cider. With fairy lights in the trees, lights around the storefronts, the town tree all lit up, and the street likes that resemble gas lights, it is a comfortable, atmospheric, magical evening.
Thank for bringing back some wonderful memories.
Pat, you should be a writer!!! Oh, that Christmas Parade sounds amazing. You described it so beautifully. I felt like I was right there, seeing it through your eyes.
You have truly grown up surrounded by those who loved their country and lived their patriotism in so many ways. Bravo to you and your family!
(>>Are you pilfering your granddarlings’ parade loot? ? — Haha!! No, but I could – they got THAT MUCH CANDY!!!)
Thank you so much for the complement. “Pat, you should be a writer!!! ” I did want to write at one time, but family got the story I was writing (in high school) and spent a dinnertime reading it out loud and telling me how stupid it was. Not only content (a western) but that I would think I could write. If nothing else, it taught me to encourage children’s dreams and help them grow. At my age, it is a bit late to start, even though I enjoy it. Writing comments will have to do.