What a beautiful day for a parade! Every once in a while Missouri weather smiles down on us and says: "See, this is why you stay here"! The day could not have been better if it had been painted by Norman Rockwell. It was sunny, warm (but not too hot) and the town was decked out in red, white and blue. There were floats filled with alumni, future alumni and fall athletes. The bands played and the horns sounded. Miss Maddison was selected by her teacher to be one of two students representing their class on the South Park float. We had the privilege of picking her up from school and taking her to the parade. It brought back memories of 25 or so years ago when our kids were young and we would take them to the parade. Aunt Bea and Uncle Scott picked Mason up and met us in front of Amanda's school to watch the parade. Randy even got to be there (for sad reasons, he left work to attend the visitation of his coworker who died on Monday). As we lined up to watch the parade, a friend of Mason's and her mother stood by us. The 3 years old played and ran after candy, while the adults clapped to the music and visited. The bands played the Spartan fight song and the politicians pumped hands and distributed leaflets. The football and softball players waved to the crowds. The only thing missing in the parade was horses. I don't remember a parade in Moberly without horses. There were a few dogs, but not one horse.
The event really made me appreciate living where I do. Rural communities might have some disadvantages, but they sure know how to put on a parade. The people were friendly, the drivers courteous and the crowd was well behaved. This is a memory to hold on to when people talk about eroding values in our country. They should be invited to the next small town parade.
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