The Scene: A beautifully hot summer day and an early July 4 parade in Springfield Township

I got to Springfield about twenty minutes before the parade was supposed to start.
I decided to park near the Township Administration building where the parade was to end.
Then I walked the one-mile back to where the parade was to start.

On the way I got lots of support, and a few negative comments.
One group of four old ladies booed the sign, one fellow said I had
no right to carry the flag, and one guy thanked my for spoiling
a fun day for everyone. Then came the question "Why today?"
and my response "What better day?"

About fifty people thanked me for being there.

I was well placed to see the parade begin winding out of the Brentwood Plaza.

And roll north up Winton.

There were four-wheelers, square dancers, kazoo players, and politicians.

Giving away lots of candy.

The republicans were out of the gate first. The hindlick's supporters
were there, but not the philster. Steve Chabot was there, very sweaty,
and shaking a lot of hands. One guy in a red car with no markings or
visible reason for being in the parade gave me a couple of  very long cold stares.
What a maroon!

Eventually the democrats came out. There were plenty of marchers for
several candidates. One was on a Stella (Vespa). Todd Portune was criss-crossing
the road in great form with the aid of a walker. He's one impressive guy!

After the last of the paraders passed me I headed back up the parade
route, arriving at the terminus just ahead of the democrats.

I got back to the Brentwood Bowl without incident.

And later a couple of friends posed for an historic moment.

Notice:
Today's sign event page is dedicated to parade watchers.

More fun later,

Ray

Written July, 1, 2006