Word association game. I say “parade” and you say __________________. Maybe you said “Macy’s Thanksgiving Parade” or the “Rose Bowl Parade.” Both are awesome if you like balloons and floats made of thousands of flowers. Who doesn’t love a parade? In southeastern Minnesota each little town has its own celebration and that usually includes a parade. Lucky us!
Most of us have been “parade watchers” and some of us have been “parade participants.” I have been both and prefer the former. I played clarinet and twirled a baton in my hometown band (not at the same time). Our band uniforms were a wool blend, which made them comfortable for fall parades but not on hot, humid summer days. Once during a five-mile parade in Duluth our female base drum player fainted and barely escaped being marched over by the band following us in the line up. Twirling a baton meant a cuter, cooler costume but I still had to memorize my clarinet music to twirl. This didn’t seem fair at the time. Since I never “suffer in silence” this caused some conflict with the band director. Is nothing ever easy?
Being a novice and naive teacher, I also learned more about parades. I was a ninth grade class advisor and learned much more than I wanted to know about chicken wire and crepe paper. One year some of the new teachers decided to enter a float in the Caledonia homecoming parade. One of my students volunteered to supply a tractor and wagon for us to ride on in the parade. We raided the drama department’s costume collection and discovered several net formals from the ‘50s, all in pastel colors. Then we needed a theme. We decided on “teachers spread spirit.” It turned out to be a joke on us as the promised wagon turned out to be a manure spreader! We were wildly cheered while we were throwing candy. When the candy ran out our float was not as popular. Note to self: If riding in a parade in the future NEVER run out of candy!
Parades are not all princess waves and tiaras. In the 2019 Houston Hoedown parade, the 2018 royal court with Hailey Carr as its queen chose roller blades and scooters for their transportation. No two parades are the same but usually follow a certain structure. Color guards carrying the American flag lead the parade followed by bands, floats and wagons representing local businesses and organizations. Sometimes people running for office, classic cars, gigantic tractors and trucks and horses are part of the parade. This year I was particularly moved the by the Apple Annies from La Cresent singing “Proud To Be American.” With watchers clapping and singing along with the music, and children laughing as they grabbed for candy, I realize I am watching a “slice of life in small town USA.” Comparing the Rose Parade to a hometown parade is like comparing fireworks to fireflies. Both are wonderful in their own way.
Bread and Breakfast French Toast
1 (1 pound ) loaf cinnamon bread
8 eggs
3 cups milk
1/4 cup sugar
1 teaspoon cinnamon
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Cut the bread into 1 inch slices. Arrange in a single layer in a greased 9×13 pan.
Beat the eggs, milk, sugar, cinnamon and vanilla in a bowl. Pour over the bread. Chill, covered, for 4-12 hours.
Bake uncovered at 325 degrees for 45 minutes. Serve with bacon or sausage. 8 servings.