Christmas Parade in Small Town

Small Town has put on another spectacular Christmas parade. Hundreds of people lined the route as dozens of entries passed by—lighted floats, children's dance teams, the local National Guard Amory, the mayor, the marching band, and Santa on a sleigh. The float above, with the flowing fountain, is from the bank where I keep my cash.

There was a dancing Ronald McDonald doing his hip-hop moves in his big red shoes, a group of dogs wearing bright pink T-shirts to represent a local animal hospital, a few horses followed by people with shovels and buckets, various queens waving that weird open-palm queen wave, the local soap-box derby club, and so much more. I met a girlfriend at this event, and we had a great time drinking coffee from My Favorite Place for Joe and catching the odd piece of candy that was tossed in our direction.

I don't remember who sponsored this float, but it was full of people sitting among big penguins, and it was very well made.

This float was sponsored by my local grocery store. The giant dog was so well-done, although I have no idea what his significance is to their business. Just a big dog.

After the parade, the marching band goes around the block and ends up in front of Santa's house. They play a few songs, and then the mayor sits down with all the little kids and reads 'Twas the Night Before Christmas to them. Then Santa takes his place inside the house, and people pass out hot cocoa. OK. That is what is supposed to happen, but this year, just as Santa brought up the rear of the parade, a huge gust of wind blew through and brought sleet and rain with it. The band skipped their last song, and the kids had to huddle against the elements with the mayor. A wonderful evening all in all.

Oh, and the mayor also unveiled a stone that marks the place where a time capsule has been buried, to be dug up in 100 years. If you read my short story last month, you'll understand the significance of that--an odd coincidence indeed.