Donkey Hill: I Can’t Help Myself

I just can’t help myself. I love parades. I know I have previously written about my love affair with a good parade…but I just have to say it again, “I LOVE parades.”

There. I said it.

On December 4th, we woke up early enough to attend the Annual Pancake Breakfast with Santa at the Methodist church on The Square. It’s a family tradition we love.

We then hiked over to the parade route and claimed our seats on the bleachers directly across from the announcer. Hot chocolate was secured. It was nasty…so NEW hot chocolate was secured. Hot chocolate was spilled…hot chocolate was cleaned up (by mom and a neighboring dog who had a “thang” for hot chocolate).

Before we knew it the sounds of fire truck sirens were off in the distance and the parade was on it’s way.

My favorite part of a good parade is discovering the unexpected… things that don’t quite “fit” in a typical parade. For example…

You were anticipating the arrival of Santa Claus…when what to your wondering eyes did appear…but The USS Addiction…complete with stowaways fresh out of rehab!

You were expecting to see Rudolph - but instead…an extremely non-threatening Karate Man appears…

You were hoping to see Shriners in miniature cars…but feather lady showed up instead…wearing boots.

You would EXPECT to see The Grinch in a Christmas Parade…but I was extra amused when the boy started CHOKING The Grinch. The picture doesn’t fully capture the moment…but it was priceless. He shook him until his belt fell loose.

There is always the stray farm animal…that doesn’t have anything to do with anything…but I must admit she is darling.

Then there are costumes that coincide with the float…but they still make you itch…terribly.

Like her.

There is always a random wig…because you’re supposed to wear a wig in a parade, right? Even if you represent the Pug Rescue…you still need a wig. It’s a Paraaaade!

An unexpected I particularly enjoyed this year was the man bicycling a wheelbarrow full of children. I am not sure if they were his children or if he just lured them into his basket with the bag of candy.

You would expect to see Frosty the Snowman…skipping and throwing candy…not worn out, sitting in a trunk…too tired to share his treats with the children.